James is a veteran rancher and innovative leader in agricultural technology, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Grass and Rangeland at EarthOptics. In this role, he helps ranchers integrate cutting-edge technology to map and quantify soil health and carbon capture potential, enabling informed land management decisions and unlocking new revenue opportunities.

With nearly 400 years of combined family ranching experience, including iconic operations like Beggs Cattle Co. (est. 1876) and King Ranch (est. 1853)—James is deeply rooted in the ranching tradition. He founded Bloody Buckets Cattle Co. and The Land Board, managing initiatives in livestock, resource management, conservation, governance, and succession planning.

Before joining EarthOptics, James spent a decade at King Ranch, Inc., where he served as Land Resources Manager and Horse Division Manager. Under his leadership, the ranch won the prestigious 2019 AQHA Best Remuda Award, bred its first ranch-raised World Champion, CORONEL DEL RANCHO, and revitalized the horse program’s commercial sales and marketing efforts. As the Land Resources Manager, he earned his Landman license and worked on all surface related projects including oil and gas, renewables, infrastructure, and soil sequestration initiatives.

In addition to his work in agriculture, James is a dedicated Marine Corps infantry officer, serving in both active and reserve capacities since 2008. His deployments have taken him to Afghanistan, Chile, and Mexico, and he led a refugee camp that successfully transitioned 3,000 Afghans to U.S. citizenship during Operation Allies Welcome. Over his military career, he has trained and led more than 3,500 American and foreign troops.

James serves on the boards of several organizations, including Frontiers Market, Beggs Cattle Company, Ranchbot, the National Ranching Heritage Center, the American Quarter Horse Association, and the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. He is also a director, Chair of the Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee, and serve on the Executive Committee of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

As of 2025, James Clement was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, which oversees the state’s conservation of Texas’ natural resources and pollution abatement programs.

A graduate of Goucher College with an MBA from Cornell University (Magna Cum Laude), James lives in South Texas with his wife, Paige Shaw, MSN RN, and their children, where they raise cattle and horses on their personal family ranch.