James Jim Bainbridge Sommers

James Bainbridge Sommers, 75, died March 6, 2015 at his home in Charlotte after a heroic battle with Parkinson’s disease. Jim was born in Richmond, Virginia, his beloved home state, the son of Nettie Cates and John Edward Sommers.

Jim was a life long student. He graduated from St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia, and received his BA from The University of Virginia. He then earned his MBA from The Darden School of Business, and was a devoted supporter and volunteer at his alma mater throughout his life, serving as Chairman and Trustee Emeritus of the Darden School.

Jim served his country in the United States Coast Guard, based in Argentia, Newfoundland. There he honed his tremendous talents for leadership, integrity, loyalty and service.

Jim’s long and distinguished career as a banking executive is filled with accolades, accomplishments and memories of a very storied period of time in the growth of the banking industry. Jim retired as President of NationsBank Private Bank, previously serving as an executive in marketing, international banking, trust, investment management and correspondent banking. He joined North Carolina National Bank, NCNB, and participated in the growth of the company that became Bank of America, working with a team of very talented, loyal colleagues. He was known for his creativity, which he brought to the table at every turn. He was a formidable mentor to a new generation of bankers, always leading by example and sharing his wealth of knowledge. With the bank, Jim traveled the world, but he had a remarkable commitment to his new hometown, Charlotte.

Jim was an avid supporter of the arts. He was especially proud that the bank gave generously to arts campaigns and maintained a growing collection of original art. He chaired the Arts and Science Council Annual Capital Campaign and served on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Arts Commission. He served as Chairman of the Mint Museum Board of Trustees.

His civic and charitable contributions in Charlotte were both numerous and noteworthy. He was founding chairman of the Carolina Council on World Affairs, served on the board of commissioners for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, and was Chairman and Trustee for the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation Board. At the dedication of the Sommers Building at CPCC, then Mayor Patrick McCrory declared June 17, 2003, “James Bainbridge Sommers Day” in Charlotte. Jim was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Charlotte Country Club, Linville Golf Club, The Ocean Club, Quail Ridge Country Club, Springdale Hall Club, and many other civic and social groups, including the Carousel Club and the Romeos.

Nationally, Jim was an active member of the Bankers Association of Foreign Trade in Washington, D.C., and served as Director for Nations Funds, NationsBank Securities, Trade Street Investment Advisors, Sovran Capital Management and Gartmore Global Partners in London, England. He passionately served as director of many other companies and organizations.

The commanding spirit that Jim brought to business ventures was evident in his personal life and adventures as well. Jim’s leadership and devotion to excellence will live on through his extended family and friends. Jim’s engaging personality and outgoing ways were contagious.

Jim loved tradition. He loved history. He loved his family.

Jim was able to weave his many talents together and bring a sense of joy and excitement to any gathering. He was an avid hunter, fly fisherman, tennis player, gardener and traveler. His creativity was such a gift, as he bestowed his famous personalized books on friends and family for special occasions. He drew people together, organizing golf tournaments, dinners and trips for his many, many friends in Charlotte, Linville and Florida. His children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews were blessed by his sense of humor, sense of responsibility and most of all, sense of family. His legacy will endure.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Jan Beaver Sommers, and his children, Susan Sommers Crisp of Atlanta, Georgia, Ruth Sommers McDonough (Luke) of Los Angeles, California, and James Bainbridge Sommers, junior of Austin, Texas. Jim meant the world to his grandchildren: Sellers, Shepherd and Martha Crisp, and Eloise, Bailey and Posey McDonough. He inspired them and many nieces and nephews to follow their dreams, be inquisitive and live life to the fullest. His extended family also included Walt and Mary Beaver and their children and wives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear brother, John Edward Sommers, junior.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Jim’s caregivers at home and at The Ivey. They are also grateful for the excellent care by Jim’s team of physicians, including Dr. Rob Heyer, Dr. Sanjay Iyer, and Dr. Chuck Edwards.

A service of celebration will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 9, 2015 at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte. The family will receive friends following the service in the Blue Room of the church.

Memorial gifts in Jim’s honor may be made to The Ivey at Southpark, 6030 Park South Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28210, or to the CPCC Foundation, Post Office Box 35009, Charlotte, NC 28235.