James Autry, a Benton county native, is a highly distinguished writer, businessman, and lecturer. Born in 1933 in Memphis, Tennessee, Autry grew up near Ashland, Mississippi. He later graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1955 with a M.S. in journalism.

As a creative writer, he has produced two books of poetry. These include Nights Under a Tin Roof, and Life After Mississippi. In these works, Autry draws on his childhood in Mississippi to pull the reader into a long forgotten, simplier way of life.

As a businessman, Autry served as senior vice president of the Meredith Corporation, which produces publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, and Successful Family. He retired from the position in 1991. He was able to use this management experience to write several business related books such as Love and Profit: The Art of Caring Leadership, Life and Work: A Managers Search for Meaning, and Confessions of an Accidental Businessman.

His personal and literary achievements include three honorary degrees for his contributions to the field of journalism, member of the University of Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame, and recipient of the University of Missouri-Columbia’s Missouri Medal of Honor.

Mr. Autry currently lectures to corporations across the country. His workshops emphasize good communication skills and the psychological and emotional well being of employees. While these workshops are very popular, Autry tries to limit his major appearances to twelve a year. He also holds personal consultations with high level business executives, but has recently limited this service to a case by case basis.