JAMES CAYNE

1934 - 2021

CAYNE--James E., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 87 years old. James "Jimmy" was born on February 14, 1934 in Evanston, IL, and grew up there with his parents and sister, Merel. He attended Purdue University, but he left before graduating to join the United States Army. After his service, Cayne sold scrap iron in Chicago before moving to New York City in 1966 to pursue his love of bridge. It was at the bridge club that he first met Patricia Denner, who, at first sight, Cayne declared would be his wife. The two were married for 50 years in April. Cayne joined Bear Stearns in 1969 as a broker, and made a name for himself on Wall Street when he bought NYC Bonds during the fiscal crisis of 1975. He became President of Bear Stearns in 1985 and CEO in 1993. He became Chairman of the Board (while continuing as CEO) in 2001 and remained CEO until 2007. A world-class bridge player, Cayne won more than a dozen North American championships, and is an ACBL Grand Life Master and World Bridge Federation World Master. He represented the United States in the Maccabiah games in 1981 and the Bermuda Bowl world championship in 1995. Mr. Cayne was dedicated to his family, friends, teammates, and the firm he helped to build. He was a strong, generous man with a glint in his eye, a terrific sense of humor, and an inspiring drive. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, his two daughters, Jennice and Alison, and his seven grandchildren, Emily, Nina, Katherine, Jonathan, Caroline, Julia, and William. The Funeral and Shiva will be private.