James Peak Elbert was instrumental in the reestablishment and expansion of Elbert Insurance Agency and Brazoria Insurance Agency. He grew up in the Lake Jackson area and worked with his father in the startup of Elbert Insurance Agency. After a 15 year absence from the Lake Jackson area, he returned to buy the family agency back and worked in the area. The agency today is the result of the efforts of James Elbert and his partnership with his son, Steve. Unfortunately, on October 11, 2009, James passed away in Galveston, Texas. This marked a transition in the agency from James to his son.  Steve, who has been working in the agency since 1997, continues the tradition and priorities of James Elbert in the operation and direction of the agency.

James received his undergraduate degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and Divinity Degree from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Dallas.

James was past President of the Texas Chapter of Certified Insurance Councelors, former Executive Board Member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, Board Member and Chairman of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and the Texas Fair Plan.

James was active in the Boy Scouts of America, the Rotary Club of Galveston, and the Mayor's Roundtable on Housing (Galveston). He is listed annually in Marquis Who's Who in America.

In 2007, he received the Independent Insurance Agent's annual Drex Foreman Award. The Drex Forman Award is one given annually in recognition of a lifetime of service to both the insurance industry and community.