About

 
 
 

Marketing & Innovation Guru | Homeschooling Father of 10 | Passionate about building trusted brands that inspire, connect, and solve problems. | Ephesians 2:8-9

 

Born in Utah and raised on a 5th-generation dairy farm in Amherst Jct., Wisconsin, I’ve grown up with a strong work ethic and a deep passion for community engagement. My journey has taken me from a childhood filled with outdoor adventures to a professional life dedicated to fostering growth and development in my local community & home.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management & Leadership and am currently pursuing my MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Concordia University Wisconsin. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worn many hats as a self-employed professional, including photographer, designer, digital consultant, and nonprofit director. These experiences have sharpened my leadership skills and strengthened my commitment to serving others.

As the owner of Stokhaus Media, a boutique marketing and design studio based in Medford, Wisconsin, I specialize in crafting tailored digital media strategies for small to medium-sized businesses. Since founding the studio in 2014, I’ve focused on building long-term partnerships and delivering measurable results for my clients.

My wife Katie and I also co-own James Stokes Photography, where we’ve spent over a decade capturing timeless moments for clients across the Midwest & Ireland. Our dedication to authenticity and storytelling has made us a sought-after husband-and-wife team for weddings, lifestyle portraits, and commercial photography since 2010.

In addition to my entrepreneurial ventures, I co-founded Stokeshire Designer Doodles, a breeding program dedicated to raising & training exceptional companion and therapy-grade dogs that have now crossed international waters. Our commitment to quality and ethical practices ensures every puppy is healthy, well-socialized, and ready to become a beloved member of their forever family.

Rooted in faith, family, and a passion for helping others, I’m proud to dedicate my life to creating opportunities, building connections, and making a positive impact in the community I call home.

Board & Community Involvement:

  • Broadband Committee Member, Taylor County, WI: Advocate for expanding internet access in underserved areas to drive economic and educational opportunities.

  • Ex Officio Member, Medford Development Foundation (2017–Present): Support initiatives that promote economic growth, including tax increment financing, industrial park development, and local revolving loan funds.

  • Member, Hotel Motel Committee (2017–2024): Developed a transparent formula for funding community events, ensuring equitable resource allocation to benefit residents and visitors.

  • Board Member, Taylor County Supportive Housing (2021–2022): Contributed to establishing a homeless shelter addressing housing instability and poverty in the region.

  • Community Outreach Coordinator, Abiding Care Pregnancy Resource Center: Created strategic partnerships and marketing campaigns to support outreach initiatives.

  • Medford Athletics: Involved in coaching youth basketball and mentoring young athletes to instill sportsmanship and teamwork.

Beyond formal roles, I’ve been active in youth ministry and served as a senior high youth group leader. I also volunteer with organizations like Awana and the Cutting Edge Youth Center as a basketball coach - focusing on Christ-centered mentorship and positive youth development.

Hobbies & Interests: As an ENFJ and a natural “Enthusiast” on the DISC scale, I thrive in roles that blend creativity and leadership. I enjoy history, teaching social sciences, and technology—particularly design, development, UI, and branding. My family and I live on a hobby farm in Medford, Wisconsin, where we embrace the joys of rural life.

Faith, family, and community are my cornerstones, and I am deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in every role I undertake. I look forward to continuing to contribute my skills and experiences to boards and organizations dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity.

James and Katie Stokes are the proud parents of ten amazing children, whom they've homeschooled full-time for nearly 20 years. Together, they've built a lifestyle centered around their kids, animals, fresh air, and clean eating.

Our life is a beautiful blend of slow living and purposeful work. Alongside their growing flock of babydoll sheep and playful fainting goats, and are eagerly planning to add mini highland/cross cattle this year. For James and Katie, every day is an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and the occasional spilled milk and thrown punch! It’s pretty wild around these parts.