James I. Black, Jr. founded James I. Black & Company in September 1964. Armed with 38 years experience in the financial service business, his vision was to provide a full-service financial service with an emphasis on personal service and integrity. The new company was located in downtown Lakeland on the corner of Lemon and Tennessee Avenue.

James I Black & Company moved its office in 1971 to a newly remodeled 217 S. Florida Avenue in downtown Lakeland. The company supplied service there for 29 years before moving to 311 S. Florida Avenue.

James I. Black & Company has been an independent financial services firm for 44 years and it is still providing the most personal services in financial planning.