Author: Move To Jackson

What is your hometown?

I am proud to have been raised in the small Southern town of Trenton. Nothing is better than the charm and warmth of the people in small-town America. A high school teacher led me to Lambuth University where I majored in history and political science in 1988. I planned to attend law school at Ole Miss, but my family helped me find my true passion. The last two generations were in the clothing manufacturing and retail business. I cultivated my skills at our anchor store and subsequently opened my own store in Jackson in 1994. Jackson has been so supportive as I proudly still run this store today. In August we celebrated 30 years in the same location.

My wife, Stacey, and I live just outside of Humboldt. We have a spunky golden retriever named Wren. I could talk for a long time about both of my blondes!

What is your profession?

I own and operate 310 Rosemont. My love of fashion and the desire to be in a field that had me interacting with the public pushed me towards this business. I believe the Lord had a direction for me, and I thank Him daily for the gifts he has given me. I count Stacey as the greatest of these.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

Hands down, the people. Stacey and I have been blessed with some great friends. I have lived a lot, and there have been many changes in my life. The one thing that is constant is our close group of friends that I call family. Also, the shopping! At 310 Rosemont, we love having satisfied customers, but it is the relationship that I feel brings people back. We love chatting and sharing some laughs, but at the end of the day, we hope it is the friendship that keeps people coming back.

Three words that best describe you.

Loyal. Giving. Blessed.

Favorite place going out?

Stacey and I enjoy eating at Rock’n Dough. We love meeting our friends Jerry and Heather Corley there. The nostalgia of downtown reminds us of a simpler time.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Caffeine! My morning cup of joe is the best!

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

Jackson is a representation of who I want to be. It is a city that opens its doors to people from other places and embraces them as one of their own. I hope that is how I have lived my life. No matter where I am, the people and the experience make or break the deal. I am a product of my family, and I hope to maintain the small-town feel that I experienced all those years ago when I stepped onto the campus of Lambuth University.

What is your hometown? 

I was born in California while my dad was in the Air Force. We moved to Jackson when I was ten years old and have lived here since. My wife Piper is a Jackson native, and we have raised our five children here. Jackson is home.

What is your profession?

I currently serve as the Chief Physician Executive for West Tennessee Healthcare. I chose medicine because of my love of science, the opportunity to build relationships with patients and colleagues as well as the opportunity to serve others. Having practiced family medicine and emergency medicine for over 30 years in Jackson has prepared me well for my current role. As the Chief Physician Executive, I have the opportunity to work with doctors and hospitals throughout West Tennessee to assist them in providing high-quality healthcare for our patients.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back? 

I have had the opportunity to serve as a doctor on multiple medical mission trips to Nicaragua and Haiti through my church, Fellowship Bible Church. 

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

Piper and I love the renewal of Downtown Jackson! We enjoy breakfast at Jackson’s Kitchen + Catering, concerts at the AMP, swimming at The Lift, and of course the Farmers’ Market. I enjoy the outdoors for hiking and biking. Our dog Beau loves going for long walks at Middle Fork River Bottoms State Park. We are fans of the Jackson Symphony. 

Three words that best describe you. 

Integrity. Consistency. Relational.

What is the last thing you Googled?

The last thing I googled was information about fly rods.

Favorite place for going out?

Because my kids are active in sports, we enjoy a lot of time at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex with baseball and softball tournaments for my twins. My oldest daughter and I also enjoy tennis and appreciate the Jackson Tennis Complex for some fun family matches. With three hungry teenagers, food is always on the agenda! I enjoy taking them to local restaurants such as Picasso, Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery, The Blacksmith Restaurant, and Rafferty’s (Who doesn’t love those chicken strips and sauce?!). 

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

I can’t go a day without coffee. (4-5 cups per day).

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because… 

I am a product of the genuinely kind people who live here. Jackson has given me the opportunity to practice medicine that I never imagined possible. Hopefully I am making a positive impact on a community that I love. 

What is your hometown? 

I’m a born and raised Jackson native. I’ve been here for 34 years and have loved it! 

Where else have you lived?

I spent four years in school at The University of Mississippi. 

What is your profession?

I’m the President of the Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village, Jackson’s landmark restaurant and tourism attraction. I was born into it and am the third generation owner. 

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back? 

Although I haven’t specifically volunteered much, my work allows me to have an impact through our various catered special events, such as: WRAP’s Denim and Pearl’s, RIFA Canstruction, Birth Choice, West TN Down Syndrome Association summer concert, “Country Music Lends Down A Hand,” the #731Day Water Balloon Fight with Town and Country Realtors, the Clark Shaw Memorial Prayer Walk, and Casey Jones Village Festival.  

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

I love that Jackson has wonderful people who are hungry for future opportunities to make our city even better.

Three words that best describe you. 

I’m going to cheat a little on this, but mine would be “What if we…” because that encapsulates so much of my mind. I’m always thinking and dreaming and working with my team about how to make the Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village even better.

What is the last thing you Googled?

Backyard inflatable pools for my family to enjoy this summer.

Favorite place for going out?

Well of course the Old Country Store! But we love to support other local restaurants too. 

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Talking to my family, especially my amazing daughter, Grace Anne, and a tall glass of sweet tea. 

Finish this statement: I AM JACKSON because…

Other Jacksonians in my generation and I are a bridge: remembering what we loved about growing up in this town and helping transform it into a place our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I am part of the Jackson that was, the Jackson that is now, and the Jackson we will create together. 

What is your hometown? 

I grew up in Middleton, TN, and moved to Jackson in 1992 to attend Union University for both my undergraduate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and graduate degrees (Masters in Business Administration).  l have enjoyed living in the Jackson area for over 30 years (yikes!)

What is your profession?

I am currently the Chief Operating Officer for West Tennessee Healthcare and have a passion for working hard to ensure we have the highest quality healthcare in Jackson, as well as in communities across West Tennessee. I began my career as an RN in the Surgical ICU at our Jackson Madison Hospital in 1996, serving in several roles over the years. I have served as a Director of the Surgical ICU, an Administrator of our Camden Hospital, and the Chief Nursing Officer for the Jackson hospital prior to becoming the Chief Operating Officer for the healthcare system in 2019.  In my current role as COO, I am passionate about caring for people across this entire region and ensuring ease of access to healthcare for everyone. We work to care for patients in our rural communities, close to their homes, with access to the tertiary care hospital in Jackson for any specialized care that a patient might need (if not offered in their own community). Our healthcare system is so very blessed with amazing teams and medical providers across the region who care for over 600,000 people in West Tennessee. To ensure that our healthcare system can fulfill that mission, I am focused on supporting and caring for the teams of great people who provide care to patients in both direct and indirect ways.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

I currently participate in the Jackson Rotary Club and I serve on the West Tennessee YMCA Board, and our Greater Jackson Chamber Board. 

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

My favorite thing about Jackson is the “hometown feeling” we have as well as the amenities and fun family activities that equal those in a larger community.  I truly enjoy raising my children in the Jackson area. They are teenagers who are very active in church, school, and sports activities.

Three words that best describe you. 

Sports Mom, Fiercely Competitive, Always up for some Fun

What is the last thing you Googled?

Beachfront accommodations in Destin…. I love the beach!

Favorite place for going out?

Because my kids are active in sports, we enjoy a lot of time at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex with baseball and softball tournaments for my twins. My oldest daughter and I also enjoy tennis and appreciate the Jackson Tennis Complex for some fun family matches. With three hungry teenagers, food is always on the agenda! I enjoy taking them to local restaurants such as Picasso, Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery, The Blacksmith Restaurant, and Rafferty’s (Who doesn’t love those chicken strips and sauce?!). 

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

As a busy working mom, I can’t go without my coffee!

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because… 

I AM JACKSON because… I believe in Jackson and the surrounding area, and I am excited to see continued growth in our community.  I am blessed to be in a professional role that allows me to not only enjoy living in this community, but also to serve in ways to help improve it.   To see Jackson and the surrounding areas thrive throughout the years, and to help make sure this growth and development continues is a beautiful thing!

What is your hometown?

I was born in McLemoresville, TN, and raised in Atwood. I came to Jackson to pursue a career in photography. I’ve been in Jackson for 19 years.

What is your profession?

I’m a professional photographer at my core, but over the years my brand has evolved into some event planning and production.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

Over the years I’ve served on numerous boards and volunteered for several nonprofits and in 2016 was named the youngest recipient of the Foundation’s Jackson Award for volunteer service. My current involvement and volunteer efforts are focused on The Community Foundation of West Tennessee where I am a trustee, Jackson Pride where I am a founding member, The Ned advisory board, Hidden Tracks advisory board, Our Jackson Home/Porchfest advisory board, and Miss Tennessee Volunteer board of directors.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

My entire adult life has been spent in Jackson. The friendships that I’ve built and nurtured and the people who have helped me grow professionally are what make Jackson special to me. Jackson is unique because there are so many opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the things that affect you personally or the community as a whole.

Three words that best describe you.

Loyal. Creative. Grateful.

What is the last thing you Googled?

Belgian Loafers (always shopping)

Favorite place for going out?

Lord knows I love to go out to eat, whether it’s Los Portales for dinner or Bonwood (out South) for breakfast, but my all time favorite place to dine would be my home, because I love to entertain. It could be a group of 30 or 1 friend having coffee and conversation on the couch.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Music…all day every day. I get the most inspired by music. All kinds.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

I AM JACKSON because this is where I’ve made my home, my business, and where I’ve invested my time in doing the work to promote positive change. I AM JACKSON because anytime I travel I make it a point to talk about Jackson and how much I love it here. I sometimes feel like an ambassador of Jackson! Maybe I am?

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.

What is your hometown?

I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My father is originally from Jackson so I grew up visiting family and friends. I decided to move to Jackson in 2010 after graduating from Florida State University to help with opening and to start working at the original Coyote Blues. In 2014, I moved back to Florida but realized quickly that Jackson had become my home and returned about a year later.

What is your profession?

I am the Operations Manager for Rock’n Dough Pizza + Brewery and Jackson’s Kitchen and Catering. I grew up with a passion for food and cooking that grew into a career. I can remember being in the kitchen wanting to help cook before I was tall enough to see over the counter. One of my first jobs was as a waiter and I eventually moved into management as the opportunity presented itself.

What is an organization you are passionate about?

I have volunteered on the Black Tie Boxing committee since the event originated. Personally, being a type one diabetic for almost 32 years is what originally drew me to the cause.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

My favorite things about Jackson are the people and the community. Growing up in a bigger city, you do not have the opportunity to connect with people on a personal level like you do here. There is something special about that to me.

Three words that best describe you.

Friendly, Energetic, Passionate

What is the last thing you Googled?

Ice bath

Favorite thing to do in Jackson?

One of my favorite things to do in Jackson is to visit the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. I love browsing through all the fresh produce and local products. It is an amazing opportunity to connect directly with people producing them. Their passion and pride in what they do is inspiring.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

My family! They are my support, encouragement, and inspiration for everything I do.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

This amazing community has so graciously accepted me and allowed me to call this place home.

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.

What is your hometown and how did you end up in the Jackson area?

I was born and raised in Tupelo, MS. I came to Jackson in 1982 to attend Union University. After graduation we moved to Middle TN for six years. Jackson has been our home for the past 30 years.

What is your profession?

20 years as the owner of J. Kent Freeman Floral Design and Gift Co. I’ve always had the passion and love for floral design and creating beautiful designs from nature. I freelanced from my garage for ten years before making the jump to open a brick and mortar location.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

I am past president of the Jackson Exchange Club, so my early years here were spent supporting the Carl Perkins Center. I co-chaired with Mary Jane McWherter the decorating committee for the first Blue Suede Dinner and Auction. Runway for a Cure, Go Red, and The Jackson Symphony Crystal Ball are three of our annual projects. As a small business, we are always giving back to our community.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

The arts, our Jackson Symphony, Jackson Theatre Guild, and the local colleges and universities — for the impact all of these have on our city and the surrounding area.

Three words that best describe you.

Creative, energetic, and Southern (My employees chose these.)

What is the last thing you Googled?

White pages or Google Maps for directions and phone 
numbers.

Favorite place for dining and entertainment?

My wife, Sherry, and I love to entertain. She is a fabulous cook, so my favorite dining place is at our home with friends and family. She and I have crazy work lives. When we aren’t entertaining friends or being entertained by friends, you will find us supporting the arts. The Amp is our Friday night hangout during the summer. The Starlight Symphony is a favorite of ours kicking off the symphony season each fall.

What is one thing you do not go a day without?

Prayer and flowers (Sorry, that’s two things)

Finish this statement: I AM JACKSON because…

I am part of this wonderful community of friendly, caring, and generous people. A community that supports small businesses. One that has believed in us and supported us. Thanks Jackson and West Tennessee!

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.

Jackson is your hometown – how did you end up back here?

I was born and raised in Jackson. I met Bob Tiller when we were in college at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Soon after we married, he was transferred all over the country with his job. He wanted to settle down and move back to Jackson in 1960, and I’ve been here ever since.

Where else have you lived?

Winter Park, Florida
 Macon, Georgia
 Louisville, Kentucky 
Cleveland, Ohio

What was your profession?

In college, the options for women were either home economics or teaching, so I chose teaching. I was more gifted in teaching than in home economics.

Tell us about your volunteer experience.

I currently serve, or have recently served with Aspell Manor, The Care Center, Judge Blake Anderson’s Drug Recovery Court Board, JACOA, Jail Ministry, and The Boys and Girls Club.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

The Jackson Walk. That used to be just a ditch, and I love how it has been transformed.
Also, the people in Jackson are some of my favorites!

Three words that describe you?

I Am Old. I will be 94 in April, and I’m having a marvelous time!

Favorite place for dining and\or to go for entertainment?

Grubb’s Grocery and Rock’N Dough are my favorite dining options. I enjoy going to The LIFT to exercise two or three days a week.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Peanut butter

Finish this statement, I am Jackson because…

Jackson is where I was born and raised, and Jackson has lots to offer: colleges and universities, a thriving downtown, a symphony, and wonderful people.

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.