James found his passion for wealth management in 2014 and brings more than a decade of experience in comprehensive wealth planning to Smith Anglin Wealth. He specializes in holistic financial planning, investment strategy, and helping clients align their wealth with both immediate priorities and long‑term goals.
Before joining Smith Anglin, James served as Vice President and Regional Wealth Consultant at Calamos Wealth Management, where he led territory development across Texas and the Rocky Mountain region through the Fidelity Wealth Advisor Solutions platform, customizing investment solutions for high‑net‑worth individuals, including significant exposure to private alternative investments, long/short tax loss harvesting, and options strategies.
James brings over 20 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force, serving across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He joined in 2002 following the 9/11 attacks and retired from the USAF Reserve’s 301st Fighter Wing in 2023.
He holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS™) designation, a BS in Business Administration and MBA from Tarleton State University, and a Master of Jurisprudence in Wealth Management from Texas A&M’s School of Law.
James lives in Fort Worth with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Madison and Will. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active outdoors and spending time with family.
“In aviation and in financial planning, preparation and discipline make all the difference. I’m proud to be part of a team that helps clients stay steady through turbulence and stay focused on the long‑term horizon.”
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14755 Preston Road, Suite 700
Dallas, TX 75254
972.267.1244 local
800.301.8486 toll free
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About Smith Anglin Financial
Founded in 1967, Smith Anglin is a wealth management practice based in Dallas, Texas. As trusted financial stewards, we provide an elevated standard of care and manage over $1.9 billion in client assets* for a select group of pilots, families, individuals, and business owners in 48 states and abroad. With deep roots in accounting, tax planning and aviation retirement readiness, our mission is to conscientiously help secure the financial well-being of our clients over the course of their lives, working diligently to help them achieve their goals, dreams and financial security.
*Data current as of 6/16/2025
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Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. brokercheck.finra.org