Jordan Jerome “J.J.” Corbett (November 25, 1922 –) of Bartow, Florida, was a trailblazing World War II veteran, educator, coach, and deeply respected civic leader in Polk County.
His notable life and legacy span several key areas:
Military Service: The “Triple Nickels”
- World War II Pioneer: Mr. Corbett was one of the nation’s first Black paratroopers and a member of the historic, all-Black 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, widely known as the “Triple Nickels.”
- Smokejumper: Due to strict racial segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII, the unit was barred from deployment into overseas combat. Instead, they were deployed to the Pacific Northwest as elite “smokejumpers” to secretly combat forest fires sparked by Japanese incendiary balloon bombs.
- Accolades: In 2010, he was named the 555th Parachute Battalion Man of the Year, receiving the honor from General David Petraeus.
Education & Athletic Career
- Roots: Born in nearby Pierce, Florida, he graduated from Union Academy High School in Bartow in 1942. After returning from military service, he graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 1950 with a degree in education and later earned a specialist degree in mathematics.
- Teaching & Coaching: He dedicated 30 years to education and coaching. He taught and coached at the all-Black Union Academy High School until school desegregation in 1969, after which he transferred to Bartow High School. At Bartow High, he served as a physical education instructor, mathematics department chairman, assistant football coach, and head coach for track, field, and cross country until his retirement in 1980.
- Honors: He led legendary high school track and field championship teams, was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Hall of Fame in 2008, and Bartow High School named its annual track meet the J.J. Corbett Invitational.
Civic Leadership & Community Impact
Mr. Corbett was a pillar of the Polk County community, breaking barriers and serving in numerous leadership roles:
- Public Office: He was the second African-American ever elected to the Polk County School Board, where he served three consecutive terms (12 years).
- Boards & Organizations: He served as chairman and board member of the United Way of Central Florida, was a founding member of the Mid-Florida Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, and served on the boards for Citrus and Chemical Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Goodwill of Polk County.
- Awards: He received the first Bartow American Legend Award in 2005, was recognized officially by the Florida House of Representatives, and was honored locally and statewide for a lifetime of dedicated public service.
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