George J. Ames (1917 – February 2, 2001) was an American philanthropist and investment banker at Lazard Freres.[1]
Ames was born in 1917 in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. Growing up, Ames attended violin lessons at Hartley House, through which he earned a scholarship to Fieldston School and Columbia College, from which he graduated in 1937.[2] He subsequently received a law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1942, before serving four years in the United States Navy.[1][3]
Ames joined Lazard Freres in 1937 as a college student and was made a general partner in 1957. Ames was a lieutenant for André Meyer, who headed Lazard's American operations, and oversaw the firm's advisory business.[4] He was credited with making the firm's first significant real estate investment and undertaking several real estate deals with real estate developer William Zeckendorf.[1]
Ames was also the chairman emeritus of Columbia College's board of visitors.[1]
Ames was married to Marion Ames, a noted lawyer and advocate for reform in the New York Court system.[5] He died on February 2, 2001, at his home in Rye, New York, at age 83.[1]
