James Lackritz

Dr. James R. Lackritz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, professor, respected statistician, and lifelong athlete, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 27, 2026. He was 75 years old.

Born December 30, 1950 to Dorothy and Irving Lackritz of Columbus, Ohio, Jim was the youngest of their three children. He was a proud graduate of Shaker Heights High School, where he was a member of the Honor Society and played varsity tennis. He later co-captained the tennis team and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Bucknell University, followed by a PhD in Statistics from the University of Florida. He built a life defined by intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to helping others understand the world through numbers and evidence.

Jim spent his academic career at San Diego State University, where he served as Professor of Management Information Systems and later Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Business Administration. Over more than three decades, he taught business statistics and mentored generations of students, as well as co-creating SDSU’s Sports MBA program alongside the San Diego Padres.

Beyond the classroom, Jim was widely respected for his work as a statistical expert and consultant, applying his expertise to complex legal cases, business challenges, and public policy questions. His work reflected both his analytical brilliance and his deep belief that data, when used responsibly, could serve fairness and truth.

He was also a prolific researcher and author, publishing extensively in statistics, sports analytics, and management. His interests ranged from the mathematics of baseball and basketball performance to workplace behavior and decision-making.

Jim’s passions extended far beyond academia. He loved tennis, skiing, golf, and mathematical games, and he brought the same enthusiasm and competitive spirit to recreation that he brought to his professional life. He was an active volunteer and served on the Board of Directors for both the Torrey Pines Men’s Golf Club and San Diego District Tennis Association.

Those who knew Jim remember his fiercely competitive spirit, unwavering commitment to principled values, and his ability to make complex ideas understandable. He was a problem-solver by nature, and more importantly, he was someone people trusted.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen; his children Kristen and Robbie; his grandchildren Kendra, Leo, and Kaylee; his brother, Marc; and all those whose lives he touched as a teacher, colleague, mentor, and friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm on Sunday, April 26th at Tula Community Center on the San Diego State University campus.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dr James R. Lackritz Memorial Scholarship, or that people honour Jim’s legacy by supporting education, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge. A Memorial Gathering will be held on April 26, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM at Tula Community Center San Diego State University