What is your hometown?

My family has been in Madison County for seven generations. One could say I never wandered too far from my Jackson roots. My career took me away for a while, but even during that period, we were in Jackson frequently. When the opportunity came to move back to Jackson in 2015, it felt like coming home in every sense of the word. I was born in the same hospital where I work today!

Where else have you lived?

I’ve also lived in Maryville, Tennessee and Jonesboro, Arkansas. Each place was an important chapter in my family’s life and in my career, but Jackson has always been home. Living in different communities gave me a broader perspective and an even greater appreciation for what makes Jackson and West Tennessee such a special place.

What is your profession?

I serve as Executive Vice President of West Tennessee Healthcare. Healthcare administration wasn’t the plan. I graduated with a degree in finance from UT Knoxville (Go Vols!) and started my career in banking, but I eventually found my way into healthcare when Carl Rudd hired me at The Jackson Clinic. I realized I enjoyed solving problems, building teams, and helping create an environment where physicians and caregivers can do their best work to benefit their patients. I have estimated that I have worked alongside over 800 physicians in my career. The fast-paced constantly changing healthcare environment makes for a rewarding profession. No two days are ever the same.

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

My dad, Jamie King, provided a wonderful example for me as a community leader before retiring as Jackson’s Postmaster in 1997 and later in his second career as a financial advisor. Over the years I’ve served on community and professional boards, mentored young leaders, and enjoyed supporting organizations that help make our community a better place. I am a 1991 Leadership Jackson graduate, and since returning to Jackson, I have served on the boards of University School of Jackson, Jackson Rotary Club, Salvation Army, and most recently Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center. My wife, Tracey, and I are active members of Fellowship Bible Church where we lead a Home Group.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

Jackson is just the right size. We have so many of the things people look for in a larger city, but we haven’t lost that sense of community where people genuinely care about each other. I also love seeing the energy downtown and watching Jackson continue to grow while holding on to what makes it special.

Three words that best describe you.

Believer. Husband. Father.

Favorite place for going out?

I enjoy being downtown for a summer concert at the AMP, hearing The Jackson Symphony (shout out to Tracey King!) perform, or any live music. I especially enjoy dinner with friends or family at one of the growing number of locally owned restaurants and dining outside when weather permits.

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

Coffee. It’s the one part of my morning routine that never changes.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

No matter where life or my career has taken me, this has always been home. My family’s roots here run deep, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and give back to the community that has meant so much to us.

I Am Jackson: Darrell King

I AM JACKSON because…

I Am Jackson: Jason Lenard

I remember PoFolks Restaurant and want to start a petition to bring it back! And if that’s not Jackson enough, then it’s because I’m proud to build homes in a community that values hard work, relationships, and doing things the right way.

I Am Jackson: Roger Smith

Jackson is engrained in me. One can seek out a place to live where they are comfortable, but it is special when you live in a place that fulfills you. Yes, family heritage, family friends, business success, and one’s faith can be fulfilling, but the Jackson community is special. Jackson provides all the elements for me that make life good.

I Am Jackson: Bob Arrington

I want Jackson to be visionary and strategic. I have always, and will be, FOR Jackson in all ways possible to make Jackson better. It is going to take a team effort to accomplish all of the opportunities before us, and no doubt it will take vision and change. Our community is ready to take Jackson to the next level, and I look forward to seeing it happen!

I Am Jackson: Vicki Burch

Since I moved to Jackson 47 years ago this town has offered our family life-long friendships, career opportunities, and the desire to continue to grow with our community as a wonderful place to call HOME.

I Am Jackson: Kyle Barron

I believe in where we’re headed. Whether it’s helping our airport grow, supporting small businesses, or just being a good neighbor, I’m proud to be part of Jackson’s story. This city is taking off, and I’m glad to be on board. (Couldn’t resist the airport puns.)

I Am Jackson: Amy Garner

I absolutely love this community. My family, my friends, my education, and my career are all rooted in this great community, and I only foresee it just getting better and better with time. We have so much to be grateful for to be able to call this place our home!

I Am Jackson: Dr. Marlon King

This is where I can make the greatest difference, where collaboration thrives, and where a brighter future for our children is not just a hope, but a shared reality we are actively building together. #winning

I Am Jackson: Stan Harris

Jackson is my home and always has been. I was born here. My parents and all of my grandparents are buried here. I spent my formative years here, my professional career here, and now my retirement years here. Jackson has changed so much and it has changed for the better. Many people choose to relocate to Jackson because of everything it has to offer. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, and I firmly believe that Jackson’s best days are still ahead.

I Am Jackson: James Salter

After living for the last 21 years and being in business for the last 20 years I’m proud to run Jackson’s version of “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares. I firmly believe in the trajectory of our town, and the opportunity that Jackson offers is rare -- to be on the cusp of extraordinary growth and opportunity. I’m proud to be a Jacksonian and rabid Rams fan.

I Am Jackson: Bill Hodges

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.

I Am Jackson: Dr. Jackie Taylor

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.

Lathan Warlick Concert

In this one unique location, mountains meet music…art meets adventure...culture meets cuisine…and no one meets a stranger. The walkability of downtown allows people to explore and discover vibrant murals, local music, historic sites, art museums, parks, greenways and more. With its sophisticated mix of culture and cuisine, experience a destination served up with genuine hospitality.

Symphony on the Move

On Sunday night, May 19 The Jackson Symphony continued the popular Symphony on the Move concerts in the lovely Vann Gardens neighborhood. Many gathered on the lawn to listen to the beautiful music by members of the Jackson Symphony.

I Am Jackson: Brooks Shaw

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.

Heaven’s Cradle Twilight Run

On June 6 hundreds of participants gathered at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Jackson for the Heaven’s Cradle Twilight Run and Downtown Rendezvous. The Twilight Run is a special occasion to honor and remember the children of bereaved families and is Heaven’s Cradle’s largest fundraiser.

I Am Jackson: Tina Prescott

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!

First Ladies’ Luncheon

The First Ladies Luncheon was held Thursday, April 18, at the Jackson Fairgrounds. The event, presented by United Way of West Tennessee, has become a favorite tradition in Jackson and West Tennessee. Table sponsors had the opportunity to create unique tablescapes.