James William Econn

James William Econn, 87, of Los Angeles, died May 13, 2012, after a valiant struggle with Crohn's disease. He was born August 11, 1924 in Los Angeles, California, the son of William and Antigone Economidis. He was the eldest of two boys, and was predeceased by his younger brother Richard.

In high school, Jim excelled both in the classroom and on the basketball court. As a result, he was offered scholarships to both Stanford and the University of Southern California. He chose his beloved USC in 1941, where he lettered twice and distinguished himself in both academics and athletics.

During his time at USC, he entered the Navy. Before traveling overseas, he contracted malaria and, as a result, did not see combat. Instead, he received an Honorable Discharge.

After graduating in 1947, Jim took over the family insurance business and, within three years, transformed it from a small personal lines agency into a full service insurance brokerage firm. It was here that he employed his knowledge of efficiency engineering to create systems that are still in use in the industry today. Under his leadership, James Econn & Co. became a regional insurance powerhouse for real estate owners, developers, financial institutions and manufacturers.

After retiring in 2002, he perfected his domino and gin rummy skills. He was also an excellent golfer and found great joy in playing golf with his friends, children and grandchildren. Jim was a sincere and humble gentleman who was gracious with his love and treated everyone he met with respect and dignity. "The loudest message you can speak is the way you live your life."

Jim married the girl of his dreams and was madly in love with his wife Christine until he drew his final breath. He was a family man and a gentleman's gentleman. He is survived by his sons Gregory (Donna) and Douglas, his daughter Chris Killian Taylor (Larry), seven grandchildren and three great granddaughters. His family and friends will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday May 23rd at St. Sophia Cathedral at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to USC Athletics C/O Ron Orr, 3501 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0602 or St. Sophia Foundation, 1324 S. Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006.