James W. Stuckert was born and raised in Louisville and although he attended a number of schools there, he graduated from St. Xavier high school. At the University of Kentucky, Jim first graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1960. He received his Master's Degree in Business Administration in June of 1961.

His honors at the University include membership in Keys, Lances, and Lamp & Cross and his activities included serving as Business Manager for the Kentucky Engineering Magazine and representing his College as a Student Government Representative. He was a member of Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honorary, was elected to Omicron Delta Kappa and served as president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity for two terms.

After his graduation, he first went to work for the Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana, joining the W.L. Lyons & Company in December, 1962. In December, 1968, he became a partner of the then merged J.J.B, Hilliard, W.L. Lyons & Company and has served on the Board of Directors of Hilliard Lyons, Inc. since its incorporation on December 1, 1972. He was responsible for equity trading at Hilliard Lyons prior to his becoming Chairman and CEO of Hilliard Lyons, Inc. in December of 1995, a position he retired from in 2004. Jim has been a model alumnus, actively committed to the University of Kentucky for years, having served as President of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association and remaining on the Association's Board of Directors. He is a Board Member of the University of Kentucky Development Council and most recently he chaired the Corporations and Foundations Committee for the William T. Young Library Campaign. Outside of his much appreciated service to the University, Jim also served on the Board of Governors for the Securities Industry Association and the Boards of Directors of DataBeam Corporation, Royal Gold, Inc. and Lawson United Corporation.

His wife, the former Diane Vittitow of Owensboro, and their three children, Steve, Susie, and Scott, are all graduates of the University of Kentucky.