Jim Ukropina

September 10, 1937 - April 8, 2025

James Robert Ukropina passed away at his home in Pasadena  at the age of 87, from natural causes. A distinguished lawyer, trusted advisor, and dedicated philanthropist, Jim’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to ethics, purpose, and positively impacting the lives of others.

Born in Fresno, California, Jim was raised in San Marino alongside his twin sister, Jo-an '55, and older brother, John '41. His father, Robert Ukropina, immigrated from Serbia shortly before World War I. Though he arrived without speaking English and with only a fourth-grade education, he built a life of purpose and became a respected Southern California contractor. Jim’s mother, Persida, was deeply involved in her community and served as an officer in the Eastern Star.

From his parents and siblings, Jim learned life lessons and valued integrity, hard work, and education. He often credited his brother John, a Caltech graduate and esteemed contractor and mathematics teacher, as a second father figure. Jim and Jo-an were especially close, having attended school together from childhood through college at Stanford University. Despite Jo-an later residing in Colorado, their bond remained strong throughout their lives.

Jim was a proud product of Southern California, where he also raised his own family. He graduated from South Pasadena San Marino High School, serving as student body president. At Stanford, Jim played both quarterback and tight end on the football team and was president of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He also led the Stanford Interfraternity Judicial Council. He earned a BA in American History in 1959, followed by an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Following graduate school, Jim served one year of active duty in the U.S. Air Force and continued in the Air National Guard. With aspirations of entering corporate law, he went on to receive his JD from the University of Southern California Law School in 1965, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Southern California Law Review.

Jim began his legal career at O’Melveny and Myers, joining as the firm’s 100th lawyer. By the time he retired, the firm had grown to over 700 attorneys worldwide. Jim became partner in 1972, briefly departed in 1981 to pursue corporate executive roles, and returned to legal practice in 1990.

Throughout his accomplished legal career, Jim was known for his intellect, principled counsel, and deep understanding of business law. He served as a legal advisor to an array of individuals and corporations, including entertainment icon Bing Crosby and Fortune 500 companies navigating acquisitions, securities, and complex corporate governance issues. Clients valued Jim not only for his clarity and strategic insight, but also for his deep-rooted integrity.

In the 1980s, Jim held executive leadership roles as general counsel and senior officer at both Santa Fe International and Pacific Lighting (later Pacific Enterprises). At Santa Fe, he oversaw global legal operations for its offshore drilling business. At Pacific Lighting, his work focused on energy, public utilities, and retail.

Over the years, Jim served on the boards of ten corporations, including several publicly traded companies. Among these, he was most notably Lead Director for Lockheed Martin and Pacific Life.

Jim’s enduring love for Stanford was a defining aspect of his life. He and his former wife, Lois, were married in the Stanford Memorial Church, and many of his lifelong friendships were formed through his Stanford fraternity and football circles. He maintained active involvement with his alma mater throughout his life, serving on the Stanford Athletic Board, acting as class agent, and helping to raise substantial philanthropic support for the university.

As a trustee on both the Stanford University Board of Trustees and the Occidental College Board, Jim brought his thoughtful leadership to the world of higher education. He led the search committee for Stanford’s 10th president, which resulted in the appointment of John Hennessy, who went on to serve the university with distinction for 16 years.

Outside the legal and corporate worlds, Jim was widely recognized as a trusted advisor and mentor. He provided informed and compassionate guidance to individuals, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. He was also the author of a book titled The Board, a fictional account exploring how corporate boards navigate pivotal decisions and crises.

At the heart of Jim’s identity was a deep commitment to philanthropy. He applied his empathy, expertise, and time in support of numerous nonprofit causes—those both large and small. His most significant charitable contribution was through his 20-year involvement with the W.M. Keck Foundation, an organization that advances major initiatives in medical research and science. Jim served the foundation as director, senior officer, and for two years as president.

An avid traveler, Jim visited 65 countries and all 50 U.S. states, accumulating over two million air miles. Among his most memorable experiences was flying on a test flight of the then-new F-16 fighter jet. His interests included golf, tennis, art, photography, cinema, novels, and fine dining. He was a member of several distinguished clubs, including The California Club (Los Angeles), the Valley Hunt Club (Pasadena), Annandale Golf Club (Pasadena), and the Valley Club (Sun Valley, Idaho).

Jim leaves behind a tremendous legacy in the legal profession, a wide circle of colleagues and friends, and countless individuals whose lives he touched with his kindness, intellect, and generosity.

He is survived by his former wife of 40 years, Lois Ukropina, of Sun Valley, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his wife of 15 years, Margaret Duckhorn, a prominent vintner in Napa Valley.

Jim and Lois shared three sons: Mike (Kimber) of Egremont, Massachusetts; David (Marta) of Eugene, Oregon; and Mark of Sun Valley, Idaho. Jim was enormously proud of each of them. He was also a devoted grandfather to five beloved grandchildren.

Jim was deeply connected to his extended family and cherished his six nieces and nephews:  Marsha Aguirre, Jan Devens, Sara Rapp, Reno Rosser, Bill Ukrpina, and Rob Ukropina.