As avid skiers since the 1980s, Tom and Mary James developed a passion for Western art while visiting the mountains of Colorado. There, they connected with galleries and artists working in the region. With a nostalgia for early Western films and television, they embraced the idea of collecting art from living artists who interpreted stories of history and culture of the American West. In those first years of collecting, the Jameses returned to Florida with paintings by Earl Biss (Apsáalooke/Ojibwe), Dan Namingha (Hopi/Tewa), Frank Howell, Tony Abeyta (Diné), R.C. Gorman (Diné), Ray Vinella, Billy Schenck, and many more.
Gradually they visited other Western states—such as Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming—and expanded their collection with more Western paintings. Over time, they began to add sculpture, wildlife art, and fine Native American jewelry. They purchased what they loved— and with a goal to support current, working artists in their careers. They brought it all back home to the Sunshine State.
Based in the Tampa Bay area, Tom and Mary James housed their collection at the Raymond James Financial home offices here in St. Petersburg. Tom James grew the company as Chief Executive Officer (1970–2010), and their personal art collection grew as well—by more than 2,500 pieces. The company saw a huge benefit to the art on display at the offices; Raymond James Associates and clients loved being surrounded by color and creativity. Sparking conversation and connection, the couple’s personal art collection became an integral part of the corporate culture. Oil paintings and bronze sculptures were on each hallway, including art by John Coleman, Vic Payne, Robert Griffing, and Matthew Hillier.
Tom James began to consider the idea of opening an art museum in the 2010s, knowing that he wanted to keep the collection local for the St. Petersburg community that had supported the firm’s success over the decades. Works of art by Allan Houser (Apache), Fritz Scholder (Luiseño), Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara), Joseph Henry Sharp, Charlie Russell, and Bob Kuhn were added. After several years of planning, The James Museum opened in 2018 with more than 400 works of art on view from Tom and Mary James. The rest of the collection remains at the Raymond James Financial home offices. After your museum visit, know that the Raymond James offices offer highlight tours of the art collection. You can make an appointment by sending an email to [email protected].
It might be surprising to visit a Western art museum in Florida, but the Jameses have given a fantastic gift to the community. With art on view offering a wide range of styles and stories, there is something for everyone. Find your West at The James!
