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]
Kathryn Briscoe
Kathryn has a Bachelor’s of Science from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Studies. She started as a teacher at St. James’ School in the one and two year old
classrooms before becoming Director in August of 2024. With a background working in aMontessori school in Washington State for many years, she hopes to bring her knowledge and
experience with the Montessori Philosophy to the staff and children at St. James’..
You may contact Kathryn at 256-565-4089 or email her at kbriscoe@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 to the Director of Children and Family Ministries}
Jessica B. Eddleman
Jess has been involved at St. James’ since 2016 and joined the staff in 2019 after serving as the Vacation Church School Chairperson. She is a trained catechist with the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Levels I and II and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance Performance and Choreography. After college, Jessica worked for the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, the American Dance Festival, and the Time Based Art Festival. With a diverse background in education, the arts, and performing arts, along with a lifetime of working with children, she is delighted to serve as the Assistant to the Director of Children and Family Ministries at St. James’.
You may contact Jess at 601-982-4880 or email her at
[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 has already proven himself to be an excellent team player and a wonderful cook. His fried chicken and catfish are legendary.
[Facilities Manager]
Charlie Belote
Charlie grew up in Canton, MS and is currently living in Brandon. He joined the staff in 2015.
[Sexton]