Jim Rasberry Wiki/Bio, Age, Career, Hometown Role, Family, and Life in Laurel, Mississippi

Jim Rasberry is an entrepreneur, financial advisor, and television figure known for his work on HGTV’s Home Town. The series follows Erin and Ben Napier as they renovate historic homes in Laurel, Mississippi, bringing new life to the town while celebrating its architectural heritage and small-town values. Based in Laurel, Jim serves as president of Rasberry Financial Services and has played a key role in the town’s economic renewal. In addition to his financial leadership, Jim has contributed to local manufacturing, hospitality, and real estate development, most recently through the creation of the 30-room Heirloom Hotel.

Early Life and Roots in Laurel

Jim Rasberry was born in 1982 and raised in Laurel, Mississippi, a town he continues to call home. As a child growing up in a traditional Southern household, Jim was deeply influenced by the strong sense of family and local identity that defines life in small-town Mississippi. He spent much of his early life surrounded by extended family and close-knit neighbors, which instilled in him an appreciation for community involvement, civic duty, and personal responsibility—values that continue to shape his work in business and revitalization today.

Career: Entrepreneur and Financial Advisor

Jim is the owner and managing partner of Rasberry Financial Services, a reputable financial advisory firm located at 401 Central Avenue, Laurel, Mississippi. He has served as President of the company since August 2002, bringing over 23 years of experience in the field.

He specializes in helping individuals and businesses build sound financial strategies using 401(k)s, IRAs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, REITs, annuities, and life insurance. His leadership has made Rasberry Financial a cornerstone of financial planning in the Laurel region.

Through his company’s official website, rasberryfinancial.com, Jim provides clients with resources and personalized services that reflect his commitment to ethical and transparent financial guidance.

Education

Jim Rasberry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Southern Mississippi (2003–2005). He also earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business from Jones County Junior College (2001–2003), reflecting his early commitment to financial education and business management.

Television Fame on HGTV’s Home Town

Jim Rasberry gained national recognition through his recurring appearances on Home Town, the HGTV renovation series hosted by his cousins Erin and Ben Napier. As part of the extended Home Town family, Jim often appears in episodes providing financial advice to homeowners or assisting with behind-the-scenes logistics.

Jim is frequently featured toward the end of Home Town episodes, assisting with staging and setup, and is often recognized by viewers for his recurring appearances and contributions behind the scenes. More importantly, his presence on the show underscores the collaborative spirit behind Laurel’s revitalization—where local business owners, artisans, and community leaders work together to restore the town’s historic beauty.

Jim also appeared in the lead-up to the pilot episode of Home Town, which was filmed in 2015 and aired in early 2016. He and Mallorie were instrumental in staging the homes and preparing for the pilot’s big reveal. The couple pulled furniture and decor from their own house to complete the look, showcasing their commitment to the project from the very beginning.

Family Life and Community Involvement

Jim is a devoted husband and father. He lives in Laurel with his wife, Mallorie Rasberry, and their children. The couple got married in 2009 and welcomed their first child in 2013. Mallorie, like Jim, plays an active role in Home Town, co-owns Laurel Mercantile Co., and leads design and hospitality efforts at their latest venture—the Heirloom Hotel.

Jim often jokes that he is known in town as “Mallorie’s husband” or “Lucy’s dad,” reflecting his easygoing nature and love for his family. He has supported Mallorie’s vision for hospitality by helping transform their own home into a successful Airbnb, later expanding to multiple short-term rental units, including a converted Airstream trailer.

Jim also helps lead the construction of the Heirloom Hotel, a 30-room boutique hotel and retail space located in downtown Laurel. His role includes project oversight and strategic planning, while Mallorie focuses on guest experience and interior design. Together, they aim to blend Southern comfort with big-city polish.

Jim is actively involved in education and civic leadership. Jim Rasberry has consistently emphasized the importance of education in community development. In a 2020 public statement, he praised the efforts of the Laurel and Jones County school districts, noting that the class of 2019 achieved a 90% graduation rate—placing them in the top 15% of all Mississippi districts. As a former school board member and active parent, he advocates for strong partnerships between schools and the broader community, calling education a cornerstone of economic growth and local success. In a 2021 Facebook post, he shared that he chose not to seek another term on the Laurel School Board after five years of service, realizing he could better contribute as a district parent and local business leader. He encouraged community involvement to bridge educational gaps worsened by the pandemic.

Jim also shared a personal story in July 2021 about his grandfather being diagnosed with ALS over two decades ago, showing his advocacy and awareness for health issues and medical research.