The Rev. Dr. Ricky James began serving at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church in July 2026 as Senior Pastor.
Ricky holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Millsaps College, a Masters of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctorate in Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation from Emory University, where he continues to teach online in Candler School of Theology’s Course of Study for licensed local pastors.
In his 20 years of ministry, Ricky has served a variety of appointments including Dean of the Chapel at Millsaps College, Senior Pastor of First UMC Clinton, Senior Pastor of St. Luke’s Fondren, and Pastor to Young Adults at Christ UMC Jackson.
In the United Methodist Church, Ricky has been a delegate to two General and Jurisdictional Conferences, served as Chair of the Higher Education and Campus Ministry Committee, Vice-Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and currently serves as Secretary of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration.
Additionally, he is an officer in the United States Navy Reserve, serving as the Battalion Chaplain for the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, the largest single battalion in the United States Marine Corps, headquartered at Camp Pendleton, CA. In this role, Ricky provides professional religious ministry to over 1,200 Marine reservists who live throughout the country.
Ricky is married to Megan James, who is the Vice President and Dean of Students at Millsaps College. They have two children, Henry and Catherine who attend St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. Like many parents, they spend most of their “free time” shuttling kids to baseball games, ballet practice, play rehearsals, and youth group. They wouldn’t want it any other way.
Email: ricky@stm-umc.org