Statement on the Passing of James "Jim" S. Crown

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and our whole community are deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden death of civic and business leader James "Jim" S. Crown, son of former Council board chair Lester Crown and Renee Crown. We want to express the Council's deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Crown family.

Jim was chairman and CEO of Henry Crown and Company, former chair of the Aspen Institute, and served on many boards. He cared deeply about Chicago and our community. Jim committed his time and wise counsel to countless organizations working to ensure the economic and civic vitality of the city and region.

For decades, the Crown Family has generously supported the Council and its efforts to amplify Chicago's global connections and important role in the world. Jim and his siblings were pivotal in establishing the Council's Lester Crown Center in US Foreign Policy in honor of their father and longtime Council board chair.

We extend our deepest condolences to Lester and Renee, Jim's wife Paula, his children and grandchildren, the entire Crown family, and to Jim's friends and colleagues. We share in their, and all of Chicago's, grief over this heartbreaking, untimely loss.