Jack Lamar Stanford

Jack Lamar Stanford, Sr., 89, died peacefully in his home February 15, 2014. He was born August 16, 1924 in Arkansas to Edward Louis Stanford, Sr. and Olivia Sara Stanford. A native of Jackson, MS, he graduated from Central High School. Jack proudly served three years in the United States Navy during World War II. He attended three years of Business School at Mississippi University. Jack was a longtime member of the Church of the Redeemer and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He was also a member of the Vestry for over 20 years and a Lay Eucharistic Ministry. Jack was a pioneer and leader in the development of tourism in the state of Mississippi and especially the Gulf Coast. Long active in tourism promotion, Jack was appointed in 1977 by Governor Cliff Finch to the Tourism Study Commission. In 1980, he was appointed to the Mississippi Board of Economic Development by Governor William Winters. He was also appointed to the Mississippi-Alabama-Louisiana Rapid Rail Transit Commission. Jack served as President of many tourism oriented organizations including the Harrison County Tourism Commission, the South Mississippi Tourism Commission, Mississippi Inn Keepers Association, Gulf Coast Inn Keepers Association, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Visitors Bureau. Jack was named the Mississippi State University Alumnus of the Year in 1980. He was also active in many civic organizations including Paul Harris Fellow in the Biloxi Rotary Club, Treasurer and Board Member of the Gulf Coast Red Cross, Executive Director, Vice President and Board Member of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce. The majority of his hotel career was spent at his beloved Broadwater Beach Hotel where he started working in 1959 as a desk clerk. He retired in 1985 as the General Manager. He was the director of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce from 1987 to 1989. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Stanford; brother, Edward L. Stanford; son, Michel Stanford; and Nancy’s parents, Harold and Ruby Smock of Meadville, PA. Jack is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy (Smock) Stanford; sons, Richard Stanford and wife, Gusta, Jack Stanford, Jr. and wife, Susan; granddaughter, Emily (Stanford) Smith and husband Justin; and grandson, Matthew Stanford. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the American Red Cross, Gulf Coast Chapter, 2782 Fernwood Road, Biloxi, MS 39535. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February, 19, 2014 at St. Marks Episcopal Church, where friends may visit from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Burial will be private. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pass Road, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com