J. David Stanford

November 26, 1945

March 25, 2018

J. David Stanford, Esq. passed away peacefully on March 25, 2018 at his home in Salado, Texas.  He was preceded in death by parents Hulen Preston and Dorothy Jane Knight Stanford and sister Roe Sharon.  He is survived by his devoted daughter Shannon Stanford Seib, husband Brian, loving grandchildren Jackson Preston and Ellyn Ann, of Round Rock, and nephew, Collin Stanford of Austin.  He was a member of Salado United Methodist Church. 

David’s life began November, 26, 1945 in Temple, Texas and he moved to Salado where he graduated from Salado High School, playing numerous sports.  Mr. Stanford earned his BBA at North Texas State University where he was an active member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and, in 1970, he earned his law degree from The University of Texas Law School, where he was associate editor of the Texas Law Review.

Following graduation he married Jan Ellyn Jackson, of Cleburne, and moved to El Paso, where he began professional practice with Kemp, Smith, White, Duncan and Hammond Law Firm.  There his daughter Shannon was born.

Mr. Stanford developed a specialized focus in investment banking and financial institution representation.  In the early eighties, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Quinn & Co., Inc., a regional investment banking firm serving four southwestern states.  In 1986, he opened a Dallas office and served as President for Ryan, Beck & Co./Southwest, another regional subsidiary of a national investment banking firm. In 1988, he established an independent practice, Stanford & Co.

In 1993, he returned to his hometown of Salado and established his practice there. He continued his focus on the acquisition and sale of regional banks, representing among others First State Bank of Austin owner Joe Long, and First State Bank of Central Texas owner Don Grobowsky, of Temple.

Throughout his career, he served as officer and director of a number of civic, charitable and bar organizations as well as a board member for several financial institutions.

J. David loved the life of a gentleman rancher.  He raised cattle on his own 7K Ranch in Salado and partnered in 7KX Ranch with cousin Glenn Hodge.  David bred and raced champion quarter horses.  He enjoyed a successful partnership in S Bar S Racing with partner K.C. Carden, of Sheridan, Wyoming.  Together, they won the Bank of American Racing Challenge leading owner awards in 2006 and 2007.  He also enjoyed a successful partnership with Triple M Farms breeders Ronnie and Ken Menard, of Broussard, Louisiana.

The family deeply appreciates the tireless support of his friend of many years, Cindi Plasek, his unofficial second mother, Mary Hodge, and his loyal employees, Hermeregildo Urquiza and Lana Brown. They also wish to thank Linda, Monica, Micalyn, Rosemary and Jessica and Misty, of Interim Hospice for their caring assistance, and Drs. Curtis Mirkes, Lazaros Nikolaidis, Nimrit Goraya and Mark Lawrence, of Baylor Scott and White, for their professional and gentle care.

Most importantly to him was his love for his family and friends, animals and natural beauty of his ranch.   His grandchildren had the time of their lives when he drove them around his ranch in the John Deere ATV.  Granddaddy will be greatly missed.

A memorial celebration of Mr. Stanford’s life will be held Thursday, March 29th at 10:00 am, in the historic chapel at Salado Methodist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Broecker Funeral Home in Salado. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to send a donation to your local animal shelter or charity of your choice.