Jim “grew up” in the wealth management industry – learning from his father, Ray, at any early age about the importance of managing risk across clients’ financial lives. Jim joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2003.  Since then, he has developed an appreciation for the motivations and aspirations of clients’ families – helping tailor integrated strategies that can address their ongoing requirements.  Jim focuses on clients’ goals and concerns, offering the goals-based wealth management process, global resources and up to the moment Web technology that complement his ability to help clients pursue the financial lifestyle that is most meaningful to them.  Today he serves a loyal and growing circle of high-net-worth individuals, business executives, entrepreneurs, who he has grown to know, love, and respect throughout the years. Many of his relationships now extend two and three generations of the same family.  Jim’s disciplined investment approach leverages the vast research and resources of Merrill, along with insights from some of world’s most renowned, highly regarded money managers. These perspectives allow Jim to focus his energy on diversifying clients’ investments across asset classes, sectors and borders – based on each client's goals, need for liquidity, timeline and risk tolerance.

Jim is a problem solver who works to simplify high-net-worth clients’ financial lives.  He assists in identifying and prioritizing their various goals – including estate planning services, investments, tax minimization strategies, wealth transfer and retirement income – then developing strategies that may be customized to fit their personal circumstances and their own unique feelings. He is also a firm believer in paying close attention to both sides of the balance sheet, which is why he offers access to a Wealth Management Lending Officer from Bank of America, N.A., who can provide strategic and personalized home financing guidance focused on your needs. He works hard to gain clients’ trust and is committed to helping optimize their resources so that they can make the most of what they have.   Jim has built his team with a singular purpose: to provide a preeminent wealth management experience to a select group of clients and to help enhance their lives by focusing on what matters most to them. He considers himself a “goals-based” advisor – structuring tailored wealth plans around the individual situations and aspirations of clients and their families. His greatest fulfillment is listening to his clients’ passions and bucket-list dreams and helping them translate those visions into reality.

Forward thinking, Jim is adept in behavioral investment counseling and anticipating critical junctures in clients’ personal and professional wealth, allowing them to make informed decisions about their lives and legacies.  Jim is devoted to serving clients as their lives evolve and to putting their needs first.  He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^™ designation. Jim is also a Senior Portfolio Advisor who can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios and third-party investment strategies.  Jim’s exposure to multiple market cycles and economic themes has infused his long-term outlook, cementing his belief in a disciplined approach to investing.

Jim received his MBA from St. Louis University and a BS in Business and Administration from St. Louis with an emphasis in Management Information Systems and International Business.  He and his wife, Cindy, reside in Ballwin, Missouri and have three children, Jim Jr., Annie, and Brendan. Jim is passionate about supporting various organizations in St. Louis.  His favorite “out of the office” moments are spent playing squash or hoops, traveling, and family dinners that culminate in competitive game nights.

*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.*Wealth Management Lending Officers do not offer investment advice, nor make recommendations on investment products.*NMLS#712750