James Bruce

James has been a distinguished professional in the financial services industry since 1994. As a founding member and partner at Watermark Wealth Strategies, LLC, established in January 2009, James has been instrumental in shaping the firm's mission to deliver independent and custom financial advice tailored to address each client's unique needs and expectations.

Over his three-decade career, James has earned several prestigious designations, including Certified Fund Specialist, Certified Estate Planner, Certified Estate Planning and Trust Specialist, and Certified Legal Document Preparer. These qualifications underscore his expertise and commitment to providing top-tier financial guidance.

James is dedicated to helping clients pursue their most ambitious financial goals, whether that involves saving for a child’s education, purchasing a new boat or RV, planning for a magnificent retirement, passing their wealth on to the next generation, or a combination of all these aspirations. His approach is client-centric, focusing on establishing clear objectives and developing robust plans to pursue them.

Born and raised in Milan, a small farming community in Southeastern Indiana, James learned to appreciate the hard work of others and that focus and dedication to your craft is necessary to accomplish your goals; and James, in turn brings that ambition to his practice for his clients. James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Indiana State University, with a focus on finance, economics, and risk management. His deep-rooted knowledge and experience are the bedrock of the exceptional service he provides to his clients.

When he's not at the office, James cherishes time with his wife of nearly 30 years, Molly, their daughter Ella (currently attending the University of Arizona), and their two vizsla dogs, Penelope and Beau. James and Molly are also proud parents of two grown sons, Tristan and Tanner, and grandparents to Boone and his soon to be born sister.

An avid outdoorsman, James enjoys a variety of activities such as hiking, trail running, fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking. The San Juan Mountains in Colorado hold a special place in his heart, where he and his family love to spend part of their summer exploring the scenic trails and waterways.

James's dedication to his clients and his passion for the outdoors define his approach to life and work, making him an experienced advisor and a valued partner at Watermark Wealth Strategies, LLC.