James Nicholas von Germeten

Phoenix - James Nicholas von Germeten passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025 with his loving wife by his side. Born in Racine, Wisconsin on December 26, 1938, James received his education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he earned a B.S. and an M.B.A. There he met his wife of 62 years, the former Joan Radl. Following graduation, James joined the U.S. Army as a finance officer. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and achieved the rank of Captain. After his discharge, James began his career in finance and banking at the Crocker Citizens Bank in San Francisco. He went on to the Northern Trust to become the Senior Vice President in Phoenix and the Chief Investment Officer in Chicago. Later he held the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company. During his time in Boston he served as President of the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts, Chairman/President of both the Boston Ballet and the Huntington Theater, Trustee of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and as well as on several other cultural and educational institutions. He received multiple awards including recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Business at the University of Wisconsin and was a Kappa Sigma Beta Epsilon Chapter Hall of Fame inductee. In the 1990s, James returned to Phoenix with Joan, where they spent many happy years together playing tennis and golf, and traveling extensively. They enjoyed summers in the Lake Tahoe area. His interests included fine wine, reading economic and financial journals, cultural events, and good conversations. He appreciated all things beautiful and particularly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his always sharp mind and good sense of humor. James is survived by his wife, Joan, his three daughters, Ann, Lisa (Ken Munro), and Nicole, and four grandchildren: Jack Munro, Nicholas and Katie von Germeten, and Inez Ayrey. James was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Eleanor (Fagan) von Germeten, and his two sisters, Gretchen and Susan. A special acknowledgement to Sherol Boles for her support and kindness.