For new Southlake City Lifestyle Magazine Publisher James Jackson, Southlake was originally just a dot on a map with an exceptional school district. What he and his family found was something far greater — a community united by pride, connection, and tradition. “We simply googled the best school districts in DFW and Southlake was the clear choice,” James says. “We had absolutely no idea what we would be in for.”
Originally from Louisiana, James comes from a family of entrepreneurs. His father owned several small businesses, inspiring James to eventually build companies of his own. Over the years, he has worked as a steel erection contractor, gym owner, and business development manager in both forensic engineering and construction. But despite his professional success, it’s the community culture of Southlake that made the biggest impact. “Everyone is a Dragon. That’s the magic,” he says.
After moving to Southlake in 2014, James and his wife quickly became immersed in the city through their sons, Gavin and Gresham. Gavin, now a sophomore, plays football and runs track, while Gresham, a seventh grader, plays football, basketball, and runs track. Both boys attended Johnson Elementary, Durham Intermediate, and Carroll Middle School. “As a father, coaching youth sports and watching parents share success and connection with their kiddos really bonds families,” James says.
That sense of belonging and community pride is exactly what inspired him to step into his new role as publisher. “This role combines everything I believe in: small businesses, community, and quality stories,” he says. James hopes to continue evolving the magazine while honoring what readers already love about it. While print remains central to the brand, he also sees expanded digital storytelling and stronger online engagement playing an important role in the future.
“I want to focus on building luxury branding with my clients and telling better stories that tie back into our community,” he says. For James, Southlake’s greatest strength is the combination of excellence and heart. “CISD is the science and the community is the magic,” he says. “It’s an academic, sports, and extracurricular heaven for these lucky kiddos.”
Readers can expect future issues to spotlight emerging businesses, community stories, Carroll ISD, and yes — football. “Football is the culture of Texas, after all,” James says with a smile.
As he begins this new chapter, James has one message for the community he now proudly calls home: “Protect the tradition.”
“Everyone is a Dragon. That’s the magic.”