James K Looney

Jim Looney was more than just an influencer, he was a beacon of compassion, insight, and unwavering support. Throughout his remarkable 80 years, Jim guided and enhanced the lives of family, friends, and colleagues with a warmth that was both genuine and profound. His encouragement and wise counsel inspired countless people, and the echoes of his positive influence will resonate for generations. In the years ahead, family and friends will undoubtedly share stories celebrating Jim’s unique spirit, his notable style, and the lasting mark he left on our hearts.

When Jim spoke, people listened. His wealth of knowledge was matched only by his remarkable memory. Jim could recall the details of every book he read. We often teased him that while he might be wrong at times, he was never in doubt. For decades, we told Jim he should go on the television show Jeopardy. He would have been unbeatable. He had a passion for learning throughout his life.

Jim’s career in the nonprofit sector was truly noteworthy. He dedicated nearly 25 years to the YMCA, where he not only built a successful career, but also found love at the YMCA Camp Osceola. It was as a Camp Director nearly 60 years ago that Jim and Claudia first met and began to date. Their 58-year marriage was truly a blessing, an enduring partnership grounded in faith, travel, fundraising, and shared experiences.

As a fundraising consultant with Campbell & Company, Jim became enamored with the Claremont Graduate School and eventually became their Vice President for Advancement and spent many years advancing the mission of the school. Jim then further expanded his impact through significant fundraising positions at DePaul University in Chicago and as a Managing Partner at Grenzebach, Glier & Company. He eventually founded Claudia and James Looney Fundraising Consulting LLC, now known as Covenant Philanthropic Solutions. This last venture, the first professional collaboration with Claudia, exemplified Jim’s commitment to creating meaningful change for nonprofits through fundraising.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jim was an avid reader, devouring 2 to 3 books a week. He cherished exploring the world with Claudia and prized their annual trips to New York to immerse themselves in theater, Maui to relax on the beach with family, and other adventures all around the globe.

Above all, Jim‘s greatest joy came from his family. He was deeply proud of his wife, Claudia; his son, Chris; daughter-in-law, Anisha; and his three grandchildren-Gavin, Giselle, and Griffin. They were, undoubtedly, the center of his world. And it is these same family members who will miss him massively.

Jim Looney led a remarkable, full life. He contributed good to the world during his years on the planet and leaves behind a legacy rich in love, wisdom, and compassion. This legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know him, and this is what we celebrate and remember now that Jim is no longer able to be with us on this earth.

Please feel free to share your own “Jim” stories with Claudia by sending her a note to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting one of Jim’s favorite causes:

CALIFORNIA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

4301 W 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA 90020

UCI SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Aunt Mabel Looney Endowment Fund

1113 Theory Street, Suite 200

Irvine, CA 92617

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES

Claudia Looney Endowment Fund for Professional Development

4650 Sunset Blvd. Mail Stop Number 29

Los Angeles, CA 90027

AFP FOUNDATION FOR PHILANTHROPY

Claudia Looney Endowment Fund for Ethics in Fundraising

4200 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 480

Arlington, VA 22203–4416