From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

James Sherman Way was born in Cynthiana, KY, the son of James and Elizabeth Lydick Way. In 1967, James Sherman became the first African American faculty member at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) as a professor of industrial technology. His children, James, Jannette, William, and Melissa, were the first African American children enrolled in the EKU Model School.

Way was a graduate of Central State University and EKU. He was also an athlete who played baseball for the Lexington Hustlers and was named to the Harrison County Football Hall of Fame.

For more see "James Sherman Way 1923-2005,  became first black member of EKU faculty, Cynthiana native was professor of industrial technology," Lexington Herald-Leader, 12/15/2005, City&Region section, p. C3; James S. Way | 1923-2005 |Obituary, at the Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home website; and the James Way and Mrs. Anna Williams Way interviews in the Eastern Kentucky University Library.