James W. Smith III

James W. Smith III brings a broad financial background shaped by experience in tax, audit, and financial analysis. Prior to joining Merrill, he gained experience with HORNE LLP, now BDO, in its tax practice serving clients in the construction sector, and with KPMG in New York City, where he audited large publicly traded companies engaged in M&A activity across the communications and technology sectors. Drawing upon this analytical foundation, James focuses on the stewardship of capital through periods of generational transfer, business transition, and significant liquidity events. He applies a disciplined framework to the management of personal portfolios, trusts, family enterprises, and entity assets. His approach seeks to bring clarity and alignment between complex financial structures and the objectives they were established to serve, helping investment strategies, business interests, and family priorities remain coordinated as complexity evolves over time.
James earned a Bachelor of Accountancy with a minor in Economics from the University of Mississippi. During his time at Ole Miss he served as Vice President of National Activities for Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for financial information professionals, and as Vice President of Judicial Affairs for the Mississippi Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta. He was also appointed to the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute, Phi Delta Theta’s premier leadership development program.
Following the deep-seated Merrill tradition of community involvement, James is committed to supporting the communities he serves through volunteer and civic engagement.

*James does not provide tax advice in his role at Merrill.