About Jim's Professional Experience
Jim is the president of SJI. Since 1987, he has helped an abundance of clients pursue their dreams, plan for their futures, prepare to preserve their assets with the main focus being to provide independence and confidence for themselves and their families.
- Fun fact: The Global Financial Centres Index ranks Chicago as the 6th leading financial center in the world (data as of Sept 2025)
In 1989, Jim acquired a franchise of Chicago-based Stewart Jennings, Inc. This company later morphed into SJI Financial Services. For nearly three decades, he has run SJI to serve clients from all walks of life and from all kinds of employers. In addition to his commitment to help nearly anyone, he and his team of LPL Financial Advisors and support staff have a deep understanding of the needs of teachers.
- Fun fact: BOTH of Jim’s parents were teachers!
Jim’s team is also passionate about serving first responders, municipal government employees, and nonprofits.
Jim has several licenses, certifications, and designations. He has a wealth of experience, knowledge and is committed to helping you with your most personal financial issues, goals, plans, and investments.
Jim currently holds:
- FINRA series 6, 7, 24,26, 51, 63 & 65 licenses held through LPL Financial
- Arizona life insurance license
- Arizona health insurance license
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation
- Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation*
- Tax-Exempt and Governmental Plan Consultant (TGPC)
In 2008, Jim became registered as an Investment Advisor Representative with former broker/dealer Voya Financial Advisors. He has worked with many retirement plan sponsors for school districts, governments, first responders and other not-for-profit employer groups in Arizona and part of New Mexico. In 2021, Jim changed broker/dealers to LPL Financial and has continued to expand the business.
- Fun fact: Arizona’s economy ranks #12 in the US (data as of 2025)
Jim is a noted authority on retirement planning for Educators, Public Safety Personnel and other Governmental & State Retirement System employees. He also hosted an internet-based radio show and his podcast called The Money Study.
Jim has written newspaper articles and has been quoted in the press (hopefully you remember what a newspaper is!). He also taught adult college education courses on Financial Planning and lectured to graduating university seniors.
Jim’s focuses include:
- Financial planning
- Tax advantaged strategies
- Asset allocation
- Insurance analysis
- Retirement planning
- Variable and Fixed annuities
- Mutual funds
- Fixed insurance products
- State Retirement Plans
- Public Safety Pensions
- Optional Retirement Plans
- Deferred Compensation
- Roth and Traditional IRA plans
All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
Contact Jim if you are :
- Looking to increase your wealth while mitigating risk
- Wanting a financial plan for you or your business, including how to provide for your needs and your family’s or business’, even after your death
- A University of Arizona employee
- A Pima Community College employee
- A School district administrator
- A teacher looking to plan for your retirement, particularly within the Sahuarita Unified School District, Sunnyside Unified School District, and Tucson Unified School District
Jim focuses on Pima and Santa Cruz Counties, but can work with folks anywhere in Arizona and beyond.
*CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning.
Meet Jim After Hours
Jim is a man of many passions and experiences. He has explored various avenues, including being a private pilot, a rock and roll drummer, and a martial artist. He is actively involved in wildlife conservation groups, demonstrating his dedication to protecting the environment. Additionally, he enjoys camping, fly fishing, and has coached youth soccer and softball teams.
Not one to shy away from adventure, Jim has even jumped out of a perfectly good airplane to explore the thrill of skydiving. Penny is Jim's supportive wife, and together they take pride in their two daughters, both of whom are Nurses! As a Tucson native, Jim shares a deep love for his hometown, a sentiment his wife and daughters share.