James “Jim” D. Warmath is approaching 50 years of service at Allen & Hoshall engineering firm. He began as a draftsman after seeing an advertisement for the job. Today he is project manager in the electric utility department.

WARMATH

(Photo: Lance Murphey)

Hometown: Jackson, Tenn.; although I’ve been in Memphis for 50 years.

Education: I attended University of Tennessee between 1961 and 1963.

Work Experience: I am the project manager for Allen & Hoshall in the Electric Utility Department.

Family: I’ve been married to Carole for 39 years. I have three children and three grandchildren.

Favorite quote: “I was better, but I got over it.” – My dad

Favorite music: Country-western

Favorite movie: “Gone With the Wind”

Vacation spot: The Bahamas

Activities you enjoy outside of work: Golfing and motorcycling

What talent would you like to have? I would like to be able to play the banjo, because the banjo has five strings on it and it’s a little difficult to play.

Who has had the greatest influence on you? I would have to say two people: C.H. Robinson, my former boss at Allen & Hoshall, and William Gilbert Buie, my other boss at Allen & Hoshall.

Why did you pursue a career in engineering? I always liked fooling around with ham radios in the late ’40s and ’50s. Then I got into the electric utility end of it.

How did you begin your job at Allen & Hoshall? I came to Memphis to visit my sister-in-law in 1962, and Allen & Hoshall had an advertisement for a draftsman. I went to talk to Mr. Allen and he asked me to come to work. I’ve been there since.

What projects stand out to you as the most rewarding? The Heber Springs Primary Substation because it was the first one I’d ever designed. I guess it worked because it’s still standing. I’ve designed close to 200 since.

What have you most enjoyed about your work? I enjoy being able to be of service to the people that I work with.

Trudi and Ed Pierami, owners of Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems of Memphis, have been awarded the 2012 Franny Award, given annually to Jan-Pro Franchising International Inc.’s top office. The award is based on leadership and commitment to excellence in all aspects of the business.

Mike Garrard has joined Silvercreek Senior Living Community in Olive Branch as executive director. Missy Powell has joined Silvercreek as marketing director. Jerry L. Peoples, who originally developed the property, has re-acquired it and serves as owner and chief managing officer.

CLARK

Kenneth F. Clark Jr., an attorney at Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs LLP, has joined the board of directors at Trezevant Manor. Clark also serves on the board of trustees for the Trezevant Manor Foundation.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Memphis Chapter has been named a 2011 Ten Star Chapter. Chapters receive the Ten Star Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy.

Deb Nichols, a community outsource consultant for SRVS Industries, has been chosen a Greater Memphis Chamber ambassador.

WATSON

Mike Watson has joined BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as regional sales director. Watson will be accountable for the overall management of sales operations in West Tennessee.

Jodi Davis, an interior designer and associate at Askew Nixon Ferguson Architects, has been appointed a member of the 2012 National Council for Interior Design Qualification Item-Writing Task Force for the interior design examination administered through North America.