James Murray Garten

James Murray Garten of North Salem, NY passed away suddenly on October 25, 2024.  He was 59 years old.  James was born in London, England and was raised in New Rochelle, NY.  He was the son of Pauline and James Phillip (JP) Garten. James attended Fordham Preparatory School and was a graduate of New York University.  

James had incredible work ethic, beginning in his early teens when he worked at the A&P in New Rochelle. He had a characteristic style-even as a youth- that was classic and irreverent at the same time. He worked throughout college, relying on himself to support his tuition and expenses.  

After graduating from NYU, James got his start in Leasing and Asset Finance at Chase Manhattan Bank, working in pricing/structuring, as well as syndications, out of both New York and London.  After a brief stint at D’Accord Financial Services, James joined Allco Finance Group, where he was Chief Operating Officer and Senior Managing Director, and essentially invented Section 1031 (like kind) exchanges involving broader leased assets (aircraft, rail, etc.), in a number of cross border contexts.  These structures were utilized in many, many cross border transactions subsequently, generating significant economic benefit to both US equity investors/owner participants and domestic and foreign lessees.

After Allco, James started his own boutique, Vericap Finance Company.  That boutique leasing entity was subsumed into what would become BTMU Capital Corporation, where he was a Managing Director within its Tax Products Group. Subsequent to his time at BTMU, James acted as a financial advisor and consultant on a number of transactions.  James’ creativity in crafting and developing tax advantaged investment products for the private placement market, was and remains, unsurpassed.  He was simply brilliant and always able to develop solutions with his financial artistry.  His tremendous passion and service are embodied in the legacy he leaves from his esteemed career.

James was deeply committed to his faith and to his church.  He served on the Vestry and as head usher at St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford NY.  

James is survived by his wife, Leigh Garten and his children, Ceilidh Phillips (Aaron), Sophia, Ruby, Pip and Peter.  He was predeceased by his parents.  James was a devoted and loving father.

He was happiest on the ski slopes in Colorado or at home with his family.  Through Leigh, he became an honorary North Carolinian as he embraced her family and friends.  He loved the coast and enjoying the traditions of Southern hospitality and cuisine. He was the ultimate handy man and took great pride in doing most home maintenance and repairs himself.  He was the first call for many of his friends when they needed advice. His counsel always entailed a great deal of wisdom and ensuring their best interests came first.  The death of James is a terrible loss for all who loved him.  Without him there is less light and wit.  

James will be honored on Saturday, November 16th, 2024 at 11AM at St. Matthew’s Church,  382 Cantitoe Street, Bedford, NY 10506.

Donations may be made in his memory to St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford, NY or to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation. 

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