James Everett Little

James Everett Little passed away peacefully at the age of 74 in Wilsonville, Oregon on May 11, 2024 after an enduring battle with Lewy body dementia. Jim was the only son of Vernon Everett Little and Esther Ruth Little who both served in World War II. Jim is survived by his wife of 34 years, Anne Little (Movius), and their children Matthew Little (Meghan) and Megan Little. Jim is also survived by his first wife of 21 years, Fawni Hill (Smith) and their daughters, Lindsey Sackheim (Andrew), and Christina St. Clair (Sean), Jim's four grandchildren Madison Steele (Kevin Lynch Jr.), Benett Sackheim, Carter St. Clair and Casey St. Clair and Jim's great-grandson, Macaulay Connor Steele Lynch. Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, and his family is especially appreciative of the exceptional care provided by his dedicated team of caregivers.

Jim was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the quaint and historic town of Oakland, Oregon. He loved visiting the town soda shop and the corner convenience store where he and his friends would sit on the sidewalk enjoying candy and comic books purchased for five cents. Jim later attended and graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Oregon. It was living in the rural areas of the Northwest where Jim developed a love for the outdoors. Some of Jim's happiest moments were spent fishing with his children in Alaska, British Columbia, Mexico, and on the rivers in Oregon.

Jim possessed an incomparable work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He began his 40-year Workers' Compensation Insurance career in 1968 at the young age of nineteen, as an entry-level mail carrier at Industrial Indemnity in Portland, Oregon. Demonstrating his desire for achievement, Jim worked his way through through the ranks to advance his career, and in 1972 at the age of 23, Jim became a Vice-President at EBI (Employee Benefits Insurance Co.), later advancing to the level of Chief Operating Officer. Jim left EBI in 1979 to co-found Pacific Compensation, a new Workers' Compensation insurance carrier in San Bruno, California. In 1990 Pacific Compensation was acquired by Fremont Compensation Insurance Group where Jim became President and CEO of the acquiring company that had assets of over $3.2 Billion and over 45,000 employees in 50 states. One of the highlights of Jim's many professional accomplishments was Fremont Compensation's acquisition of Jim's first employer, Industrial Indemnity, which served as both a return to Jim's roots in business and a defining personal accomplishment for him. With more entrepreneurship still remaining in him, in 2003 Jim teamed up with his long-time colleagues from EBI, Pacific Compensation, and Fremont to co-found Employers Direct Insurance Co. where he served as President and CEO. During his semi-retired years, Jim co-founded Triunfo Creek Associates, an insurance consulting business where he regularly served as an expert witness.

Other notable accomplishments:

*Eagle Scout Award - 1965

*Appointed to the California Workers' Compensation Fraud Assessment Commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

*Served three terms on the Governing Board of the California Workers' Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB)

*Appointed for 2 terms to the California Workers' Compensation Fraud Assessment Committee by Governor Pete Wilson

*Board Member of American Insurance Association, National Council for Compensation Insurance, Association of the California Workers' Compensation reform initiatives of 1993

Despite Jim's devotion to his career and his demanding work and travel schedule, he always prioritized family time. Some of his most treasured experiences with family were spent on trips to Africa, Europe, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, New York and the Oregon coast.

A private service will be held at St. Cyril Catholic Church in Wilsonville, Oregon on May 17, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association which supports the Portland, Oregon chapter, providing support services to family members. Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047. EIN 05-0577683.

https://www.lbda.org/donate/