Ricky James

I serve as dean of the chapel and director of church relations at Millsaps. Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, I am a graduate of Millsaps, Duke University, and Emory University. Prior to my appointment to Millsaps, I served as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Clinton, Mississippi, senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in the Fondren neighborhood of Jackson and as associate pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson. I am immediate past chair of the board for Stewpot Community Services and a former trustee of Millsaps. I also serve as a chaplain in the United States Navy Reserve, holding the rank of lieutenant (O-3). My home unit is Navy Reserve Center Meridian, and I am cross-assigned to the Third Marine Expeditionary Force, USMC, Okinawa, Japan. I am married to Megan James, vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Millsaps, and we have two children.