Harry J. James is the son of the famous big band leader and trumpet player Harry James. While in military service, Mr. James was a member of the “Airmen of Note,” previously known as the “Glenn Miller Orchestra”. After an honorable discharge, Mr. James returned to college to major in real estate.

Recruited by Hunt Properties while attending college, Mr. James developed and sold thousands of single-family residential lots in the North Texas cities of Plano, Mesquite, Richardson, and Lewisville, and personally managed interim construction loan programs for many of his builders. Mr. James also developed land for industrial parks, including the design and construction of railroad lines, office parks, and regional shopping malls including Collin Creek Mall.  

Upon his resignation from Hunt Properties, Ray Hunt asked Mr. James to become a partner with him personally. He accepted, and they began developing and selling mostly single-family residential lots. On the first project, Mr. James developed and pre-sold 779 residential lots in a project in North Richland Hills, TX.

Mr. James holds leadership positions in numerous charitable organizations. He served an eight year term on the Board of Directors of Volunteers of America – Texas and was on its Executive Committee, Finance Committee and its Housing/HUD Board. He is also an active board and committee member in local, state and national home builders associations, including advisory positions on numerous task forces. He serves on the Board of Directors of the home builders association charity, HomeAid/Home Builders Care, and has also served on the Board of Advisors for Fannie Mae Partnership Program for Dallas, TX. In 2007, Mr. James was selected to receive the prestigious Hugh Prather Trophy which is awarded to the builder or developer contributing the most to the betterment of the community.