Billionaire businessman James “Jim” Crown died in a automotive racing accident at a motorsports park in Colorado Sunday — the identical day he turned 70 years old.
Crown, who served as a board member at each JPMorgan and General Dynamics, was killed when his automotive careened into an impact barrier at Aspen Motorsports Park in Woody Creek, the Colorado Sun reported, citing the local coroner.
“The official reason for death is pending autopsy although multiple blunt force trauma is clear,” the Pitkin County Coroner’s Office said in a news release. “The style is an accident.”
Crown was the CEO and president of his family’s business, investment firm Henry Crown and Company, from which he inherited his roughly $10.2 billion fortune. He also served because the managing partner of Aspen Skiing Co. and split his time between Chicago, his essential residence, and Colorado.
He sat on the board of JPMorgan for the reason that early ’90s.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Jim’s family and family members during this incredibly difficult time,” Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, said in an announcement. “Our thoughts are also with all of you who knew and loved Jim, as much as I did. He was an integral a part of JPMorgan Chase and our lives, and his presence might be deeply missed.”
James Crown died within the crash on his seventieth birthday.Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Crown is survived by his wife Paula (pictured), their 4 children, and a number of other grandchildren in addition to his parents. AP
Former President Barack Obama appointed Crown to his administration’s Intelligence Advisory Board in 2014 and thought of him a “dear friend.”
Obama said he and wife Michelle were heartbroken over Crown’s death in an announcement Monday.
“Jim was a pillar of Chicago, a outstanding voice within the Jewish community, and a real civic leader who loved our city,” the previous president and first lady said in a joint statement. “…He cared deeply about Chicago and making it a spot where everyone could thrive — regardless of who they’re or what a part of town they call home.”
James Crown served on the board of JPMorgan for the reason that early ’90s.AP
Jim Crown was a pillar of Chicago who cared deeply about making our city a spot where everybody can thrive. Michelle and I were also very lucky to call him an expensive friend. We’re heartbroken today, and we send our like to Paula and their wonderful family on this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/IWLLd1IYtF
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 26, 2023
Crown was civically involved in each Chicago and Colorado. He was chair emeritus of the Aspen Institute and a trustee on the Museum of Science and Industry, the Civic Committee, and the University of Chicago.
“He was so rather more than the business or civic leader he might be remembered as — he was a dynamic and deeply devoted son, husband, father, brother, and friend,” the Obamas said. “We are only so lucky to have known him.”
Crown is survived by his wife Paula in addition to their 4 children, several grandchildren, and his parents.
“The Crown family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jim Crown,” a family representative said in an announcement to the media. “The family requests that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”
Several local agencies are investigating the fatal crash including the coroner’s office, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado State Patrol.