James began his Publix career in 1986 as a part-time front service clerk. He held various retail management positions before being promoted to merchandiser in 1998. In 2002, James transferred to the corporate office as a buyer. In 2007, he was promoted to category manager, and he’s served in his current role since 2013.
Where were you born?
Melbourne, Florida
What did you want to be when you were little?
A professional baseball player
What brought you to Publix?
Family tradition. I’m a third-generation associate, and my children — the fourth generation — are now working at Publix.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with our category teams and suppliers to offer our customers the best variety and value
What’s your favorite Publix product?
Our deli raspberry tea
What’s your favorite Publix memory?
There isn’t just one; it’s a combination of all the time and energy others are willing to invest to make sure each associate is successful. I don’t know of another company with our culture of caring.
What hasn’t changed about Publix since you started?
The limitless opportunities that exist to find your niche in the company
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What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
The people we work with and witnessing the next generation of leaders develop
What has changed about Publix since you started?
The amount of technology available to help us meet our customers’ needs
What’s your favorite movie?
Saving Private Ryan
What are your favorite books?
Anything by W.E.B. Griffin or Tom Clancy
What’s your favorite sports team?
Florida Gators
What music are you listening to right now?
Whatever is on the radio. I tend to listen to country, classic rock or sports talk radio.
What are your hobbies?
Coaching two youth baseball teams
What’s your proudest moment?
Seeing my children want to continue our family tradition and begin their Publix careers. My son is a category analyst in our space lab, and my daughter is an accounting intern this summer.
What’s your work or life philosophy?
Don’t stress over what you can’t control.
