Early Life
James Duff was born in Columbia, Mississippi, in 1961. Details about his early life and childhood are not widely available, but he was raised in Mississippi. His father, Ernest Duff, was a lawyer and businessman. James has three siblings: Thomas Duff, Stephen Duff, and Jane Duff Thomley.
Rise to Success
In 1983, James Duff inherited Southern Tire Mart from his father. Under his leadership, the company flourished and became a successful tire dealership chain. In addition to his role at Southern Tire Mart, James co-founded Duff Capital Investors, a holding company that oversees a diverse portfolio of businesses. Duff Capital Investors has an impressive annual turnover of over $2.6 billion. In 2003, the Duff brothers bought Southern Tire Mart back for $15 million, and by 2025, Southern Tire Mart's revenues had grown to exceed $4 billion, making it the nation's largest truck tire dealer and retread manufacturer.
Key Business Strategies
Key business strategies include transforming Southern Tire Mart into a thriving tire dealership chain. Also, co-founding Duff Capital Investors and overseeing its growth into a multi-billion dollar holding company.
Philanthropy
James Duff is actively involved in philanthropic activities. The Duffs made a $26 million gift to construct the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation at the University of Mississippi. Additionally, they have supported the Jim and Thomas Duff Athletic Center at the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2020, they pledged collective gifts of $30 million in planned gifts to The University of Southern Mississippi, representing the largest bequests in the University's history.
