Meet the Next Generation of Practitioner Leadership of The Independent Funeral Group 

Maryville, TN — The Independent Funeral Group, a growing network of independently-owned and -operated funeral homes from across the U.S., is proud to introduce longtime members Adam Atchley, James C. “Jim” Cortner, Justin Jeffers, Frank “Bud” Myers III, and Daniel Ownby as the organization’s board of directors, signaling an exciting new generation of leadership and growth.

Each represents one of The Group’s founding independent, family-owned funeral homes that joined together in 1995 to secure negotiated discounts from industry suppliers:

• Atchley is a fourth-generation funeral director at Atchley Funeral Home, with locations in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Seymour, Tenn.
• Cortner is a second-generation funeral director and embalmer at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, Franklin Memorial Gardens, and Winchester Monument Company in Winchester, Tenn.; and Jennings-Moore-Cortner Funeral Home in Lynchburg, Tenn.
• Jeffers is a third-generation funeral director and embalmer at Jeffers Funeral & Cremation Service in Greeneville, Tenn. and Jeffers Funeral Chapel in Afton, Tenn.
• Myers is a second-generation funeral director and embalmer, owner of Bordwine Funeral Home, Inc. in Etowah, Tenn. and is affiliated with Myers Funeral Home in Tellico Plains, Tenn.
• Ownby is a first-generation funeral director, manager of Weaver Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bristol, Tenn., which has been independently family-owned for over a century.

Atchley, Cortner, Jeffers, Myers, and Ownby join the board, just as their families did before them, at a pivotal time in the history of The Group, which is experiencing exceptional growth after recently expanding membership to all 50 states and offering group health benefits at negotiated rates to member firms.

“As our group continues to grow, we want it to have the same cohesive feel that we have always had,” says Ownby. “Our vision is to support the independently-owned funeral home in any way we can, whether that is providing business solutions, by creating partnerships with our endorsed providers, or just collaborating one-on-one with anyone who needs some guidance. Our vision is for TIFG to have a lasting impact in helping funeral homes stay independent.”

As practitioners themselves, each director has a thorough understanding of the unique needs and struggles of today’s independently-owned funeral homes.

“Other groups I have been involved with have often been led by owners that are often far removed from the day-to-day tasks and operations of directing funerals and frontline care of families,” says Cortner. “Our group is run by frontline practitioners who are hands-on in the trenches caring and serving families and involved in making our communities a better place to live. Our board is very approachable and knowledgeable to discuss any of the real challenges or issues facing funeral service today because we are actively working alongside our staff every day serving our families.”

The Group was founded upon this “leadership from the trenches” approach and it remains integral to The Group’s mission and vision, as does the concept of strength in numbers.

“What we cannot do individually, we can accomplish together,” adds Jeffers. “Having the resources, input, and knowledge of an entire group is invaluable. Many of us face the same challenges every day and no one knows what we go through on a daily basis like each other. If we can share those experiences, both good and bad, we can all benefit.”

The camaraderie and trust that develops organically among the membership of The Group is key to its success. Members feel comfortable asking questions of their peers and truly value the feedback they receive.

“When working together we can learn from one another, share ideas, and help us all remain independent,” says Atchley. “Some of the most valuable conversations are not what we did well, but what we did that didn’t work.”

The struggles facing family-owned funeral homes today are more than just “industry issues” to the board members, many of whom strive every day to build on the success enjoyed by their own parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents.

“It’s personal to me because as a second-generation funeral director and embalmer, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication that goes into a family-owned funeral home,” says Myers. “The work isn’t just about running a business. It’s about caring for neighbors, supporting families in grief, and honoring the lives of those in our community.”

About The Independent Funeral Group

Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education, and resource group, committed to preserving independent ownership and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service, and community. To learn more about The Independent Funeral Group’s mission, membership criteria, and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net, or call (865) 977-0027.