Early Life
James Ernest Duff was born in 1961 in Columbia, Mississippi. He was raised in Columbia and attended Columbia Academy and Utah Valley University. His father, Ernest Duff, was a lawyer and businessman. His mother's name is Bobbie Baggett Duff. James has three siblings: Thomas Duff, Stephen Duff, and Jane Duff Thomley. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Rise to Success
James Duff's career took a significant turn in 1983 when he inherited Southern Tire Mart from his father, Ernest. Under his leadership, the company flourished, becoming a successful tire dealership chain. He and his brother Thomas bought Southern Tire Mart back in 2003.
Key Business Strategies
In addition to his role at Southern Tire Mart, James Duff co-founded Duff Capital Investors, a holding company that oversees a diverse portfolio of businesses. Duff Capital Investors has an annual turnover of over $6 billion, comprising over 20 businesses. In 2011 the Duffs became auto dealers when they bought Pine Belt Ford in Purvis, Mississippi. James and Thomas are the only billionaires in Mississippi.
Philanthropy
James Duff is actively involved in philanthropic activities, including a $26 million gift to construct the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation at the University of Mississippi. He and his brother also made a $1 million gift to Ole Miss in 2017 to create the Ernest R. Duff Flagship Constellation Fund to honor their father.