Jackson T. Stephens

Jackson Thomas Stephens (August 9, 1923 – July 23, 2005)[1] was the CEO of Little Rock, Arkansas-based Stephens Inc., a privately owned financial services company.

Background

Stephens was born on a farm near Prattsville, Arkansas, the youngest of 6 children.[2] and grew up during the Depression. Stephens attended the United States Naval Academy, where he met and became friends with a midshipman from Georgia named Jimmy Carter.[3] Upon graduating he joined the Little Rock investment house Stephens Inc., which his brother W. R. "Witt" Stephens had started in 1933. "Forged out of a bible, belt buckle, and bond business," by 1994 Stephens Inc. was listed as one of the biggest institutional shareholders in 30 large multinationals including the Arkansas based firms Tyson Foods, Wal-Mart and Alltel. Stephens is the father of Jackson Stephens, Jr. and Warren Stephens.

Career highlights

Politics

Stephens and his wife Mary Anne were such outspoken backers of Republican causes, and in particular of President Ronald Reagan that the early 1980s they were known as "Mr. and Mrs. Republican of Arkansas."[3] In a rare interview in the early 80's, Jackson declared that Reagan was giving the country "exactly what we need. Some of us call it tough love."[3] Stephens and his company donated $100,000 to the national Republican Party both in 1988 and 1991.[4] Stephens and his wife were key backers of the bid of U.S. Representative Tommy Robinson for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 1990.

Philanthropy and legacy

References

  1. Jackson T. Stephens, 81, Financier, Dies, Associated Press, July 28, 2005
  2. Dennis A. Byrd, Financier, philanthropist Jackson T. Stephens, 81, dies, Greenwood Democrat Tuesday, July 26, 2005
  3. 1 2 3 Profile: Jackson T. Stephens (with Mary Anne)
  4. New York Times February 5, 1992 "Wealthy Investment Family a Big Help to Clinton" by Jeff Gerth
  5. http://www.epsicopalcollegiate.org
  6. "Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Collection". Butler Center for Arkansas Studies.
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