Jim Davis is widely recognized as the creator of the iconic comic strip Garfield.
His net worth, which has reached impressive heights, stems from multiple streams of income, including syndication rights, licensing, and TV adaptations of his beloved cat character.
But just how much is Jim Davis worth today? In this article, we break down his wealth, salary, and financial journey, offering a closer look at the business success behind Garfield.
Whether you are curious about the earnings from Garfield, the role of Paws, Inc., or how Davis’ licensing deals have built his fortune, we cover everything you need to know in 2025.
Read on to understand how Jim Davis turned his passion for cartoons into one of the world’s most successful brands.
Jim Davis Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James Robert Davis |
| Popular Name | Jim Davis |
| Birth Date | July 28, 1945 |
| Age | 79 (as of March 6, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Marion, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Ball State University (Art and Business) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jill Davis (m. 2000), Carolyn Altekruse (divorced) |
| Children | One son, two stepchildren |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Dave Davis (brother) |
| Parents | James William Davis, Anna Catherine Davis |
| Height | 1.8 m |
| Net Worth | $800 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Comics, TV, movies, licensing, merchandising |
What is the Net Worth of Jim Davis in 2025?
As of 2025, Jim Davis’ net worth is estimated at $800 million. This substantial fortune comes from his legendary Garfield comic strip, which has been syndicated in over 2,500 newspapers globally. Not only did his creation gain massive popularity, but the success of Garfield also led to lucrative licensing deals, television specials, and films, such as Garfield: The Movie.
Compared to other iconic cartoonists and creators, Jim Davis’ financial success places him among the wealthiest in the entertainment industry. His wealth rivals that of creators like Peanuts’ Charles Schulz, though Davis has built a massive merchandising empire that continues to thrive in the 21st century.
Some of the figures related to Jim Davis in the entertainment and licensing world include:
- Bill Murray
- Tom Ryan
- Jon Arbuckle
- Odie
- Paws, Inc.
- U.S. Acres
- Garfield (character)
- ViacomCBS
If you’re interested in learning about the wealthiest figures in entertainment, check out richest celebrities.
Jim Davis Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
His Earnings from the Garfield Franchise
Jim Davis owes much of his fortune to the massive success of the Garfield comic strip. Syndicated in over 2,500 newspapers worldwide by 2013, Garfield quickly became a staple in many households. Davis’ business acumen also played a significant role in the comic’s success—he created a franchise that was much more than just a comic strip. The Garfield brand became synonymous with a range of products, including books, toys, and clothing, all contributing to his vast income.
In addition to merchandise, the syndicated strips continued to generate ongoing revenue through licensing, ensuring that Jim Davis’ wealth would remain robust for years. This wide-reaching success made Garfield one of the most recognized brands in the world, and it’s a significant source of Davis’ wealth today.
Revenue from TV Shows and Movies
Jim Davis’ success wasn’t limited to the comic strip. He also capitalized on his creation by producing multiple television specials and films based on Garfield. Garfield & Friends (1988-1994) was a beloved animated series that aired on CBS and helped solidify the character’s place in pop culture. Additionally, Garfield: The Movie (2004) and its sequel Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006) were major box office hits, grossing over $346 million combined.
These projects played a crucial role in boosting Davis’ finances, with both the animated TV series and films continuing to generate revenue through reruns, DVD sales, and streaming rights.
The Role of Paws, Inc. in His Financial Success
To manage and grow the Garfield brand, Jim Davis founded Paws, Inc. in 1981. The company, which is based in Muncie, Indiana, handles all aspects of Garfield’s licensing and merchandising, ensuring that the character continues to reach a global audience. The team at Paws, Inc. oversees product development, licensing deals, and the production of Garfield media, creating a substantial and sustained stream of income for Jim Davis.
The company’s success is a key reason why Davis’ financial portfolio remains so strong. With nearly 50 employees, including licensing experts and artists, Paws, Inc. has proven essential in maintaining Garfield‘s presence in global markets.
His Licensing and Merchandising Success
Over the years, Jim Davis has continued to profit from licensing and merchandising. From lunch boxes and T-shirts to video games and plush toys, the Garfield character has been successfully licensed for a vast array of products. The Garfield brand’s strong fanbase ensures that these items remain popular, even decades after the comic strip’s debut.
Licensing is not only a vital revenue stream for Jim Davis but also a core part of the brand’s lasting appeal. Every new licensing agreement helps to expand the reach of Garfield while generating significant financial returns for Davis and his company.
Additional Ventures and Contributions
Beyond his work with Garfield, Jim Davis has made contributions to the entertainment world through various projects. He was also involved in the creation of the comic strip U.S. Acres in the 1980s, which ran alongside Garfield in certain newspaper syndications. However, it was his ability to expand Garfield into films, TV specials, and merchandise that cemented his place as one of the wealthiest and most successful cartoonists of all time.
Additionally, Jim Davis founded the Professor Garfield Foundation, which aims to promote children’s literacy. His philanthropic efforts continue to impact the community, further enhancing his reputation beyond just being a cartoonist.
Financial Influence and Legacy
Jim Davis has achieved a level of success that few cartoonists can match. His influence on the comic strip industry and the entertainment world is immeasurable. The Garfield brand’s long-lasting popularity and massive revenue generation through multiple channels (including merchandise, TV shows, and licensing deals) have made him a financial powerhouse.
Davis has received numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards, and continues to be a prominent figure in the cartooning world. His legacy as a creator of one of the most financially successful comic strips ever created remains firmly intact.
Conclusion
Jim Davis has built a remarkable financial empire, largely through his creation of Garfield and his savvy business decisions.
From the comic strip’s success to the thriving merchandising empire, Davis’ wealth continues to grow.
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