Meet Our People

James D. Brashear, CPA		Senior J.D. Brashear spends his time off hunting or hanging out with his family, which is his wife Lora, daughter Alydia and son Asher.
Level:	Senior
Office:	Fort Smith
School:	Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas, B.S. in mathematics in 2000 and B.S. in accounting in 2006
Area:	Tax
Hobbies:	Hunting and fishing
Family:	Wife Lora, daughter Alydia and son Asher

Challenging Work

At a previous job, JD worked with the accounting department in processing data and decided then he wanted to become a CPA. His return to Arkansas Tech University was delayed by a deployment to Iraq with the National Guard, but upon his safe return he pursued his accounting degree. He wanted a greater challenge, so he picked public over private accounting and targeted BKD for employment before graduating. “BKD fit my idea of a quality firm with the benefits I needed and great people to work with.”

Rewarding Opportunities

JD serves clients with tax preparation, research and responses to IRS and state notices for corporations. He works with individuals and partnerships. He’s up for the challenge of learning something new every day. “I know preparing tax returns sometimes seems repetitive, but every return is different with a lot of different concepts to put into play.” The intensity of busy season is made easier thanks to his supportive co-workers, who truly get to know each other, and partners’ involvement with staff.

And a Life

On his days off, you’ll find JD, an outdoor enthusiast, hunting or fishing. He also enjoys boating on the lake with his wife and kids. Sometimes, just a simple outing to the park is enough for the Brashears. A bit more complicated, but achievable with persistence, is attending a Boston Red Sox game. “My wife and I try to make a Red Sox game each year. Living in Arkansas makes it difficult sometimes, but we find out when they will be playing closer to us.”