Financial Advisor
.Women's Markets
Tax Efficient Planning
Young Families
Retirement Planning
Business Owners
I am a Financial Advisor and strategic business leader with a career spanning finance, marketing, and global brand development. As a Financial Advisor at Thrivent, I help individuals and families align their financial goals with their personal values through holistic financial guidance. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, I work with clients across the country, providing personalized strategies that balance financial performance with purpose.
I married my wife, Kathleen, in 2024 at Wrightsville United Methodist in Wilmington, North Carolina. Originally from Missouri and Kansas, respectively, we share a love of travel, food, art, the Kansas City Chiefs, and our dog, Jay-Bones—interests that keep our life full of adventure and joy.
My expertise in FinTech, market analysis, and relationship management allows me to bridge data-driven insights with real-world financial confidence. I specialize in translating complex financial concepts into actionable strategies, helping individuals and organizations pursue long-term growth and stability with clarity and confidence.
Before joining Thrivent, I spent several years shaping e-commerce strategy and brand development for national and international companies. As an executive leader, I focused on cross-functional collaboration, profit and loss management, and growth strategy execution across omnichannel marketplaces. My leadership style combines innovation with analytics, consistently delivering measurable results and strengthening client partnerships.
I began my professional career at Lowe’s Companies, Inc., where I gained broad experience in corporate accounting, treasury, and business intelligence. This foundation in financial analysis and operational strategy shaped my data-driven, results-oriented approach to leadership and decision-making.
I earned my undergraduate degrees in Finance and International Business from Appalachian State University and later completed my MBA at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Throughout my career, I have combined leadership with service, guided by a mission to empower people and organizations to make informed, values‑based decisions that lead to meaningful and lasting success.
- Bachelor of Science in Finance and Banking | Appalachian State University
- Master of Business Administration | University of North Carolina Wilmington
- FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representative
- FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law
- State(s) Licensed: AL, AR Insurance Lic. #21568365, AZ, CO, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, MS, MT, NC, NM, NV, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV
The journey to financial clarity doesn't have to be complicated. Let's start with a meaningful conversation about what matters most to you. It's easy to get in touch...
- Email: james.hurst@thrivent.com
- Office and Text: (910) 839-7965
- Direct Voice: (727) 501-2407
- Schedule an initial meeting
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative
- Series 66 - Investment Adviser Representative
- Securities Industry Essentials
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas(Insurance Lic. #21568365)
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Insights
One of the most common questions I hear after someone inherits an IRA is:
"What do I do with it now?"
For many beneficiaries, an inherited IRA must be emptied within 10 years. The question isn't whether to take distributions—it's when.
Inherited Roth IRAs are often subject to the same 10-year distribution rule, although qualified distributions are generally tax-free.
A thoughtful withdrawal strategy can help manage taxes, avoid surprises, and align the inheritance with other financial goals.
The deadline is fixed. The strategy is not.
An inherited IRA can be a meaningful gift. With proper planning, it can become an opportunity to strengthen your financial future rather than create an unnecessary tax burden.
That's where financial guidance can make a difference.
#InheritedIRA #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #LegacyPlanning #ThriventFinancial #LiveGenerously
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Steady growth, stubborn inflation: Q3 2026 market outlookEconomic growth remains solid, but investors continue to face questions around inflation, interest rates and AI-driven market expectations. Explore Thrivent's 2026 Mid-Year Market Outlook for perspective on what may lie ahead. ⬇️
Your legacy is more than what you leave behind—it’s what you intentionally pass forward. Whether you’re still building or ready to pass it on, let’s connect to make it lasting and meaningful. Legacy planning looks different for everyone.
This guide helps you explore key areas so your plan reflects what matters most: https://bit.ly/3IeMVSD
Office location
Wilmington Location
4621 Bramton Road
Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone910-839-7965HoursWilmington, NC 28405
M – F: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.
Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.
Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.
Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.
Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations