Thomas James (businessman)


Thomas James is an American billionaire businessman, the chairman of Raymond James Financial, founded by his father Robert James, for 40 years.

Early life

James has a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a PhD from Stetson University.

Career

James was made a board member of Raymond James Financial at the age of 20, and became CEO of the company in 1969 when he was 27 years old.
In 2010, James stepped down as CEO. James served as chairman of the board until February 2017, when he became chairman emeritus.

Personal life

James is married, with two children, and lives in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
In 2012, James and his wife, Mary, became benefactors of the James Center for Molecular and Life Sciences at Eckerd College.
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. The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, an 80,000 sq ft two level facility, opened in downtown St Petersburg in August 2018.