NetWorth
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II
J
Rank #753
UNITED STATES•food-beverage•Cargill

James Cargill II

Net Worth
$5.44B
0% (24h)
James Cargill II is an American billionaire heir and philanthropist, and is the great-grandson of William Wallace Cargill, the founder of Cargill, a multinational food corporation. His primary source of wealth stems from his ownership stake in Cargill. As of March 25, 2026, his net worth is estimated at $5.4 billion. He has had a long career associated with Cargill and is known for his philanthropic efforts. He is also a board member of several organizations including the Center of the American West at the University of Colorado at Boulder and the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Cargill's wealth reflects the enduring success of Cargill, a privately held enterprise that has expanded globally while remaining under family stewardship across multiple generations.

How to read James Cargill II's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For James Cargill II, we anchor the narrative to Cargill, Incorporated and Cargill, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $5.44B alongside global rank #753, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

James Ray Cargill II was born in 1949 in Birchwood, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Cargill-MacMillan family, descendants of William Wallace Cargill, who founded Cargill in 1865. His upbringing in rural Wisconsin instilled in him a strong connection to the agricultural roots of his family's wealth.

Rise to Success

James Cargill II's wealth is primarily derived from his ownership stake in Cargill, a privately held multinational corporation. Cargill has grown to become the largest private company in the United States. He is one of approximately fourteen family members who hold billionaire status through their stakes in the company.

Key Business Strategies

Cargill's success is rooted in its long-term strategic focus, enabled by its private ownership. The Cargill and MacMillan families, who own the majority of the company, reinvest a significant portion of the earnings back into the business. This strategy allows for sustained investments, unaffected by public market pressures.

Philanthropy

James Cargill II is known for his philanthropic efforts, with contributions to the arts and education. He has supported organizations such as the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Philanthropic Impact

Arts$XB

Walker Art Center Donation

Donations to the Walker Art Center.

Arts$XB

Minneapolis Institute of Art Donation

Donations to the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Cargill7.00%$5.4M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

James Ray Cargill II was born in 1949 in Birchwood, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Cargill-MacMillan family, descendants of William Wallace Cargill, who founded Cargill in 1865. His upbringing in rural Wisconsin instilled in him a strong connection to the agricultural roots of his family's wealth.

Rise to Success

James Cargill II's wealth is primarily derived from his ownership stake in Cargill, a privately held multinational corporation. Cargill has grown to become the largest private company in the United States. He is one of approximately fourteen family members who hold billionaire status through their stakes in the company.

Key Business Strategies

Cargill's success is rooted in its long-term strategic focus, enabled by its private ownership. The Cargill and MacMillan families, who own the majority of the company, reinvest a significant portion of the earnings back into the business. This strategy allows for sustained investments, unaffected by public market pressures.

Philanthropy

James Cargill II is known for his philanthropic efforts, with contributions to the arts and education. He has supported organizations such as the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for James Cargill II are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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