President
For over 30 years, Jim has been a trusted partner in working with many high net worth investors and families in the region. From the most complicated estate planning projects to the most sophisticated investment strategies, Jim has always recognized that serving as an advisor in any capacity is first and foremost a privilege. The responsibility advisors are given to protect, preserve and grow client wealth is built on a foundation of trust built over time. Jim knows it is tremendously rewarding to help clients and families manage their financial lives. Jim and his team pledge to always act with integrity and honesty on behalf of their clients.
As one of the very first SEC-registered investment advisors in the area, Walter and Keenan was founded by Jim’s uncle Donald Walter. Both Don and Jim are attorneys and have been very active in our client’s wealth management, estate planning and asset transfer strategies. As a CFA and a member of the CFA Institute, Jim is a proud to associate with the most disciplined and prestigious group of trained investment professionals in the world.
Outside of the office, Jim has been very active and engaged in the non-profit community. He is President of the Judd Leighton Foundation which serves to perpetuate the legacy of his friend and mentor in our region in the areas of healthcare, education and economic development. He also serves as chair of the Beacon Health Foundation Investment Committee and as chair of the University of Notre Dame’s Graduate Studies and Research Advisory Council.
Interests outside of the office include travel, biking, reading biographies, cross training, golf and college football. But most of all, Jim enjoys spending time with his family.
J.D. Wayne State University Law School (Detroit, MI)
B.A. University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA Institute
Past Member of the Michigan Bar
We are dedicated to developing strong, lasting and impactful relationships with our clients and providing superior client service.
Helping clients navigate life’s most important financial decisions requires intense attention to detail and open lines of communication. We listen to our clients to understand what is truly important to them.
Successfully navigating the ever-changing financial markets requires ongoing skills development and the mastery of new strategies and technologies. We will never give up on our pursuit to better understand how we can improve the value we provide to our clients.
We are actively engaged in making a difference in our broader community through board service and volunteer opportunities. We are proud of our community and strive to make it a better place to live and work.
From investment management to estate planning and charitable giving strategies, Walter & Keenan Wealth Management has the breadth of experience to handle the most complicated circumstances.
1982
Founded in 1982 by Donald Walter in Niles, Michigan, the firm was one of the region’s first SEC-registered investment advisors. At inception, the firm had a handful of clients and managed or advised on approximately $20M in assets. Since that humble beginning, we have focused on our commitment to serve our clients with honesty and integrity while consulting with higher-net-worth investors and families on all aspects of their financial lives. This focus, as well as disciplined investment process that is dedicated to serving the best interest of our clients, has allowed us to grow over time.
40
$750M
200+
12
To paraphrase Theodore Roosevelt, it has been our experience that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” We start every client conversation by listening. A true partnership does not begin with a recommendation and end with a performance report -it begins with caring and understanding. Only then can we design a plan focused on your ongoing needs and objectives. Our client relationships typically span multiple generations.
Walter & Keenan is a fee-only investment advisor. This means that we sell only our advice and receive no commissions or revenue-sharing arrangements with third parties. We are not affiliated with any bank, broker, or other investment advisory firm. Our sole commitment is to serve the interests of you and your family.
We are honored to serve in a fiduciary capacity for our clients. This responsibility is not only a legal requirement but one we take great pride in representing. The fiduciary duty is the highest legal duty of one party to another and requires being bound ethically to act in the other’s best interest.
Our wealth management advisors will help you with our comprehensive suite of services designed to help you achieve your financial goals. Contact us today and let's start building your financial future.