About Us
About The James Agency
We’re not a call center. We’re not owned by Wall Street. We’re a second-generation family agency with 16 licensed professionals who answer when you call and fight for you when it matters.
- 40+ Years in Business
- 100+ Insurance Carriers
- 150+ Years Combined Experience
- 7 Mississippi Locations
- 150+ Years Combined Experience
Our Story
In 1982, Jerry James became the first exclusive agent for Nationwide Insurance in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He opened a small office with a simple idea: treat people right, explain things clearly, and be there when they need you. That idea built something lasting.
Over the years, the agency grew from one office to seven locations across South Mississippi. We transitioned from a captive agency to an independent agency, giving us the freedom to work with multiple carriers and find the best coverage for each client—not just sell what one company offered.
Today, Patrick James—Jerry’s son—leads the agency. The name on the door is the same. The values are the same. The commitment to treating clients like neighbors, not policy numbers, hasn’t changed in four decades.
We’ve had opportunities to sell. Private equity firms have come calling, offering to buy us out like they’ve bought so many other agencies. We said no. We’re not interested in becoming part of a portfolio managed by people who’ve never been to Mississippi and don’t know our clients’ names.
This is our home. Our kids go to school here. Our families go to church here. When a tornado tears through the area or a hurricane threatens the coast, we’re not watching from somewhere else—we’re right here, answering phones and helping our neighbors.
That’s what 40 years of family ownership means. It means we make decisions the way we’d make them for our own families. It means we’re still here, still independent, and still doing things the right way.
Why We're Different
We work for you, not an insurance company.
As an independent agency, we represent you—not a single carrier. We work with over 10 insurance companies, including Nationwide, Progressive, Travelers, MetLife, and Liberty Mutual. That means we can shop the market for you, compare options, and find coverage that actually fits your situation at a competitive price. If one carrier raises your rates, we check if another can do better. If you need coverage one company doesn't offer, we find one that does. You get options, not a take-it-or-leave-it quote.
We answer when you call.
Our team of 16 licensed insurance professionals is spread across seven offices in Mississippi. When you call, you reach a real person who knows your name and your situation. No phone trees. No call centers in other states. No explaining your life story to a different stranger every time. You get a direct relationship with someone who understands your coverage, remembers your family, and picks up the phone when you need help.
We fight for you at claims time.
This is where most agencies disappear. They sell you a policy, collect their commission, and you don't hear from them until the renewal bill is due. When you have a claim, you're on your own with an 800 number. Not here. Our claims manager, Sybil Waters, has been with The James Agency for over 30 years. When you file a claim, she walks you through the process, follows up with the carrier, and pushes back when something isn't right. You have an advocate in your corner—someone who treats your claim like it's her own problem to solve.
We've earned our experience.
Our team holds professional designations including LUTCF, CIIP, and CISR. We have over 150 combined years of insurance experience. We've handled every kind of claim, every kind of storm, and every kind of coverage question Mississippi can throw at a family or business. We're not guessing. We know what works because we've been doing this for four decades.
Meet Our Team
16 licensed insurance professionals across 7 locations. Personal lines specialists. Commercial lines specialists. Life and health experts. Each one committed to the same standard of service that’s defined The James Agency since 1982.
Agency Principal
Patrick James
Second-generation owner of The James Agency. Patrick grew up in the business and leads the agency with the same values his father established in 1982: treat people right, explain things clearly, and be there when they need you.
Claims Manager
Sybil Waters
30+ years with The James Agency. Sybil is your advocate when you have a claim. She knows the process inside and out and fights for our clients like they’re family.
Agency Manager
Kandie Boutwell
Clients like Rusty Clark have called Kandie’s dedication “unmatched.” She routinely goes above and beyond to help with different needs and issues—whether that’s finding savings on auto insurance or making sure coverage keeps up with life changes.
Associate Agent
SHANE BLACKWELL
Senior Commercial Accounts Manager
CINDY RAWLS
Associate Agent
SHANDRA HUST
Receptionist
VICKIE CRABTREE
Sales & Service Representative
LORI DEES
Sales and Service Representative
MAEGHAN LEE
Sales and Service Representative
TORI WHEAT
Sales and Service Representative
RHONDA SMITH
Sales and Service Representative
WENDY PEAVY
Sales and Service Representative
BETHANY COCHRAN
Sales and Service Representative
ANNA JENKINS
What Our Clients Say
“I switched my auto and home insurance here almost a year ago, and am so glad that I did. Great service, great product, great staff!”
Sales & Marketing Professionals
Homeowner
“They have been taking care of me for over 25 years! When I started with a car my first home and after 70 rental properties and the two business’s. Roger White and all that proceeded him has taken care of me in a very personal way and very professional.”
Tena Royce
“I switched agencies several years ago. Biggest mistake ever. My business and home insurance were a mess until I came back to the James Agency!!! No better customer service anywhere!!!”
Christy Morris
Our Locations
We have seven offices across Mississippi to serve you. Stop by, give us a call, or schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you.
Our Credentials
Professional Designations:
- LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow)
- CIIP (Certified Insurance Industry Professional)
- CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative)
Carrier Relationships: Nationwide, Progressive, Travelers, Foremost, Liberty Mutual, and more—over 10 carriers to shop for the best coverage and rates.
Experience:
- Founded 1982
- 40+ years serving Mississippi
- 150+ combined years of team experience
- 16 licensed professionals
- 7 locations across South Mississippi
Get Your Free Insurance Checkup
See what 40 years of family-owned service looks like.
Whether you’re looking for a second opinion on your current coverage, shopping for better rates, or just want to talk to someone who’ll explain things in plain English—give us a call.
We’ll review what you have, show you your options, and make sure you understand exactly where you stand. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest answers from people who’ve been protecting Mississippi families and businesses since 1982.