The California JPIA mourns the loss of Senior Risk Manager Jim Gross, who passed away on May 25, 2020, of complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Jim joined the California JPIA staff on September 10, 2002 and served as a senior risk manager for almost 18 years. He managed training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in Southern Los Angeles County and Orange County. He was a subject matter expert on issues relating to contracts, Cal/OSHA, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“As one of the Authority’s first risk managers, Jim touched all of our members,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “He was not only a trusted voice in making risk management decisions, but also their friend. His values and vision will be missed by the Authority and its member organizations, and by me personally.”
A senior member of the risk management team, he experienced first-hand the growth of the California JPIA membership and the evolution of the risk management program. Jim’s institutional knowledge and industry experience helped establish the Authority as a leader in the self-insurance pooling community. He was a key participant in the development and implementation of the Authority’s Risk Management Evaluation process, the LossCAP Program, and the Lessons Learned in Litigation program.
“Jim was a valued colleague to whom other risk managers went for guidance and questions,” said Assistant Executive Officer Norm Lefmann. “We will miss his extraordinary knowledge and dedication to benefiting all members of the pool.”
Prior to his role with the Authority, Jim was a corporate risk manager at Western National Group. He was an alumnus of Humboldt State University, where he studied business management.
Jim, of Vista, enjoyed gardening, sailing, vintage cars, and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and son, James.
Plans for a service celebrating his life are pending.