Rev. Dr. Ricky James began serving at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church in July 2026 as Senior Pastor.

Rev. Dr. James currently serves as Dean of the Chapel and Director of Church Relations at Millsaps College. Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he is a graduate of Millsaps College, Duke University, and Emory University.

Prior to his work in higher education, he served in pastoral leadership 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 Associate Pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson.

He is the immediate past chair of the board for Stewpot Community Services and a former trustee of Millsaps College. In addition, he serves as a chaplain in the United States Navy Reserve, holding the rank of lieutenant (O-3). His home unit is Navy Reserve Center Meridian, and he is cross-assigned to the Third Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps, Okinawa, Japan.

Rev. Dr. James is married to Megan James, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Millsaps College, and they have two children.

Email: ricky@stm-umc.org