Executive Manager - MS CPA #1081

James L. Stafford earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at Mississippi State University in 1965. He joined Watkins, Ward and Stafford in 1964, was admitted to the partnership in 1968 and has served as Managing Partner and Chairman of the Executive Committee since 1989.

Mr. Stafford is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants and North Mississippi Chapter of Certified Public Accountants.

With more than 55 years experience, Mr. Stafford’s practice is concentrated in business planning, sale and purchase of business, financing and organization.  He counsels high income and high net worth individuals with investments, tax planning, estate planning and serves as a fiduciary.

Mr. Stafford’s community involvement includes founder of the Prairie Arts Festival, continuing as Chairman for 32 years, a founding member, Treasurer, member of the Executive Committee of Old Waverly Golf Club, member of MSU School of Accounting Advisory Council, and Chairman of Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  He is past Officer, Director, Trustee or Board member of Clay County Chamber of Commerce, Mary Holmes College, Long Range Planning Committee of Clay County Medical Center, Mississippi Economic Council, Wood College, Palmer Home for Children, AmSouth Bancorporation, and Bankfirst Financal Services, Mississippi.  He is the past President of West Point Kiwanis Club, West Point Community Chest, West Point Country Club, and Clay County Industrial Development Corporation. He was organizer and Chairman of Landmark Community Bank, Tennessee.

His honors include being inducted into the Hall of Fame in West Point in 1986, Recognition for Building Improvements, West Point Board of Realtors in 1990, and Entrepreneur of Year 2003, Columbus, Mississippi.

Mr. Stafford is an active member of First United Presbyterian Church where he has served as Deacon.

He is the father of three sons and one daughter.