St. James’ Staff
[Parish Administrator]
Judy Johnson
Judy came to St. James’ in 1985 as a temporary employee. She was asked to stay on full time when it was decided to purchase networking computers to set up different software applications. She has since worked her way through many clergy and was asked to be Parish Administrator. She handles all financial records and manages kitchen, facility and cleaning staff. You may contact Judy at 601-982-4880 or email her at jjohnson@stjjax.org.
[Choirmaster]
Jonathan Trotter
Jonathan is a familiar face to us as he and his wife, Emily, have been members of the 11:05 am choir for more than three years. He also formed and leads the St. James’ Compline Choir which many of us have enjoyed at the end of the day. He holds two degrees in vocal performance from the University of Arkansas and choral conducting from the University of Mississippi. He is currently a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at the University of South Carolina. An active singer and conductor, Mr. Trotter has previously served as Director of Music for congregations in Arkansas and Mississippi. He was an integral part of the musical life of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Columbia, South Carolina, as the Director of the Choir of Young Men, voice and sight singing instructor and baritone soloist. He currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Millsaps College. You may contact Jonathan at 501-250-3975 or email him at jtrotter@stjjax.org.
[Organist and Assistant Choirmaster]
Michael Beattie
Michael Beattie is in his 16th year as President and Executive Director of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer for the Louisville (KY) Orchestra. Before his work in arts administration, he served in a 25 year career in full time church music (choral and organ), taking him to Youngstown, Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky, and Omaha, Nebraska. He has been active with the American Guild of Organists on both local and national leadership levels and holds degrees in organ from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. You may contact Michael at 601-960-1565 or email him at mbeattie@stjjax.org.
[Director of Youth Ministries]
Laura King
You may contact Laura at 601-720-1210 or email her at lking@stjjax.org.
[Director of Early Childhood Ministries]
Whitney Veazey
A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Whitney is a wife to her high school sweetheart, Slates Veazey, Sr. She is a mother to two precious children, Slates Jr. and Sadie, who have both attended preschool at St. James’ School. Whitney has worked in the elementary classroom and early childhood classroom settings for eight years since graduating with an Elementary Education degree from the University Of Mississippi in 2004, she is certified by the Mississippi State Department of Health as an Early Childhood Director. Whitney has been fortunate enough to see firsthand from both a parent’s and educator’s perspective the day-to-day workings of St. James School. You may contact Whitney at 601-941-4296 or email her at wveazey@stjjax.org.
[Director of Children & Family Ministries]
Mary Nell Prichard
Mary Nell began working with children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 29 years ago and joined the St. James’ staff in 1986. She has served on the Board of the National Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association. As a formation leader for the National Association, she has led adult formation courses at St. James’ and throughout the country. You may contact Mary Nell at 601-982-4880 or email her at mnprichard@stjjax.org.
[Office Manager]
Kathy Stephens
Kathy manages all bulletins and written communications while being administrative support for clergy and program staff. She maintains all church records, transfers, and reports for every aspect of St. James’ day to day operation. You may contact Kathy at 601-982-4880 or email her at kstephens@stjjax.org.
[Assistant Parish Administrator]
Jan THornton
A native Jacksonian, Jan grew up in the Fondren area. After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a BBS in Marketing, she worked in marketing, interior design and project management. She is constantly updating our parish communications including our website, social media, and community contacts. Jan also manages the space use of our buildings and grounds and provides support for the Parish Life and Outreach ministries. You may contact Jan at 601-982-4880 or email her at jthornton@stjjax.org.
[Kitchen Manager]
Marcus Anderson
Marcus comes to us from the Methodist Rehab Center, here in Jackson, where he served as a full-time cafeteria supervisor, and we feel very lucky to have him here at St. James’. He’s already proven himself to be an excellent team player and a wonderful cook. His fried chicken and catfish is legendary.
[Facilities Manager]
Charlie Belote
Charlie grew up in Canton, MS and is currently living in Brandon. He joined the staff in 2015.
[Sexton]