Full name: F. J. “Jim” Greely, Jr.
Title: Regional President
Company: MidSouth Bank
Age: 69
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Why do you do what you do?
I’m not ready to retire. I also like the challenge of building teamwork in today’s environment.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
The rehabilitation of a distressed bank.
What was your first job?
In the corn experimental station at LSU.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Just do the right thing.”
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
Those that give back more than they receive – John Barton, Sr. would be a great example.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
An Air Force pilot.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
Several leadership boot camps.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Spend more time with my wife and children.
What is your prescription for life?
Respect life. Have fun.
What book are you currently reading?
Mostly trade publications.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Any three world leaders.
Who would play you in a movie?
Jack Nicholson
What do you do to unwind?
Spend time at our place on Lake Concordia.
What is the most expensive purchase you’ve made for yourself?
An automobile and a boat.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
I like hunting, fishing and spending time at the lake.
What’s your theme song?
“Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd
What’s your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
The LSU campus – I was raised on the campus.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Straight.
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
The Bucket List, American Idol, George Straight
What is your favorite gadget?
A high-performance computerized fishing reel.
What is something that you can’t live without?
Cajun cooking.
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
A better education system.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
I hope that we can build a community that our bright young people would never want to leave.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That the above won’t happen soon enough and we will lose more potential great leaders.
