Testimonials.

Jim’s combined experience in both funeral home and crematory operations and risk management has given him the perfect balance to be useful to funeral home and crematory owners of all sizes. His knowledge of the risks involved with cremation allowed our funeral homes to raise our professional standards to the highest level in the industry, and protected us from significant exposures to litigation while balancing costs.

His extensive involvement with funeral homes of all sizes and geographies gives him a unique perspective that allows him to identify ways to save or generate thousands of dollars of profit. Whether it was finding missed revenue opportunities, limiting exposure to fraud and theft, benchmarking best operating practices, addressing FTC and OSHA compliance issues, Jim was always able to facilitate staff and operational improvements. Thanks to Jim, we have better profit margins and better management of our risks.

Steve Shaffer
Former CFO of Keystone Group Holdings Inc.
CEO and President, Foundation Partners

Jim’s many duties included responsibility for the company’s risk management and cremation programs on behalf of Keystone’s 200 funeral homes and 26 crematories. His OSHA, ADA, FTC and cremation compliance programs produced a 30% liability insurance and workers compensation rate reduction. Further he pioneered our crematory operations and procedure manual, and his training efforts greatly contributed to Keystone’s cremation average growing 10%+ per year. It was a pleasure to work with Jim. I whole heartedly recommend Jim Starks’ programs.

Bob Horn
Keystone North America
Chairman, President and CEO, 1995-2007

As Chancellor of the ICCFA University I witnessed Jim make great strides in his respective College of Cremation Service and Operations over the years. Jim is one of our industries best in regards to Cremation Risk Management and running our College certainly utilizes all of his knowledge and preparation. I certainly would use Jim’s services and expert knowledge in all of our companies future needs. He quite simply understands all sides of Risk Management and is a sincere and dedicated individual.

Michael H. Burke
University of Memphis
ICCFA University Chancellor, 2004-2010

Having to deal with risk management and compliance as a funeral professional can be difficult, I have found that having the experience and knowledge that Jim Starks has is the way to go.

James Odham
New Bern, NC
Former Owner of Cotten Funeral Home

I have known Jim Starks for many years and have always found him to be passionately enthusiastic about death care service and the critical importance of doing the right thing. His first hand practical experience in cremation and funeral home risk management is exemplary. As dean of the ICCFA University College of Cremation Services at the University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, Jim has been instrumental in bring industry experts together for the purpose of sharing knowledge with others. His contacts and background make him a uniquely qualified resource for anyone interested in minimizing risk in their funeral service operations.

Ernie Heffner
President, Best Life Tributes Funeral and Cremation Care