Thomas James (businessman)

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Thomas James
Born1942 or 1943 (age 80–81)[1]
NationalityAmerican
EducationHarvard University
Harvard Business School
Stetson University
Occupationbusinessman
Known forchairman of Raymond James Financial for 30 years
SpouseMary James
Children2
ParentRobert James

Thomas James (born 1942 – 1943) is an American billionaire businessman, the chairman of Raymond James Financial, founded by his father Robert James, for 40 years. As of March 2022, his net worth was estimated at US$2.3 billion.[2]

Early life[edit]

James has a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a JD degree from Stetson University.[2]

Career[edit]

James was made a board member of Raymond James Financial at the age of 20,[2] and became CEO of the company in 1969 when he was 27 years old.[3]

In 2010, James stepped down as CEO.[2] James served as chairman of the board until February 2017, when he became chairman emeritus.[4]

Personal life[edit]

James is married, with two children, and lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.[2]

Philanthropy[edit]

In 2012, James and his wife, Mary, became benefactors of the James Center for Molecular and Life Sciences at Eckerd College.[5]


James and Mary have a 2,500-piece art collection, mostly connected to the American West including artists such as Howard Terpning, known for his oil portraits of Native Americans.[1] The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, an 80,000 sq ft two level facility, opened in downtown St Petersburg in August 2018.[6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Placed on the Board at Age 20, Son of Raymond James Founder Is Now a Billionaire". Bloomberg. May 11, 2015. Archived from the original on July 20, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Forbes profile: Thomas James". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  3. ^ "Tampa Bay's top business leader of modern era: Tom James of Raymond James is still looking ahead". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  4. ^ "Raymond James says Thomas James to become chairman emeritus". Reuters. December 1, 2016. Archived from the original on January 25, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  5. ^ "Eckerd College finishing $25M science center full of eco-friendly perks". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  6. ^ "Look inside the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, opening Saturday". tampabay.com. April 5, 2018. Archived from the original on August 15, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.