James Edward Iverson "Big Jim"

James Edward Iverson passed peacefully away in Thousand Oaks, California on August 1, 2023, surrounded by family. He was 87. Born to Lenore Louise Holte of Stoughton, WI and Frederick Nicholas Iverson of Battle Lake, MN on March 22, 1936, in Seattle, Washington, Jim was the youngest of four children: Fred Iverson (1928 - 1984), Eleanor Spaulding (1932 – 2005), and Susan Hyatt (1935).

Jim spent his formative years in Park Ridge, Illinois until 1951 when the family moved to Eastchester, New York, where his father was promoted to Vice President of Operations at UPS in New York City. He entered Eastchester High School as a sophomore and became captain of the basketball team and point guard, quarterback of the football team, and captain of the golf team. He made All County in three sports. On September 24, 1953, as a high school senior, Jim won the Eastchester Town Championship at Leewood Golf Club. He graduated from Eastchester High School in 1954, received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University in 1958, and a JD and LLM in Tax from New York University School of Law in 1961.

In 1957, when he was a junior in college, he met the love of his life, Patricia Aline Henriette Staal Koeleman of Scarsdale, New York. A freshman at St. Lawrence University, Pat was the daughter of Lily and Dirk Koeleman who had been general manager of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and then managing director of the Vereenigde Glasfabrieken (United Glass Works) in Schiedam, the Netherlands.

Pat and Jim were married June 3, 1961 in Scarsdale, New York and had two daughters, Sandra “Sandy” Holte and Jennifer “Jenny” Anne. Jim was an attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission and loved to tell the story of one of his first cases, United States vs. Hayutin, in which he said the story would be perfect for a Hollywood movie. Shortly thereafter, while on a date with Pat, he was playing the piano at Siwanoy Country Club when he met Martha Mitchell who promptly recommended to her husband John that he “hire this kid” as a municipal bond attorney. Jim went to work for Caldwell, Trimble, and Mitchell and began a long, illustrious career in the municipal bond business being an integral part of the creation of municipal bond insurance. In 1971, the family moved to Del Mar, California where he joined Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc. as a municipal bond underwriter. As a partner for over 25 years, Jim led the firm’s California municipal bond operations and was a pioneer in hospital, tax increment, single family mortgage revenue and multifamily revenue bond finance. He retired in 2006.

As a scratch golfer most of his life, he won several club championships, including the Westchester Amateur at the age of 24 in 1960 at Bonnie Briar Country Club. At one point, he tied the course record at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. With a generous spirit and heart for giving back to his community, he was one of the founders of First Tee of San Diego in 1994, which later became Pro Kids Golf Academy, a golf program that helps underserved youth develop character and life skills through golf. He liked to play golf with Pat and Jenny, but he loved to play golf with Sandy and her husband Kelly Jocoy, both accomplished golfers. Jim was always on hand to give a golf lesson to his grandchildren and great grandson, and anyone else who would listen.

Jim’s other passion in life was horses. He and Pat became long-term patrons of the show jumping equestrian sport where both their daughters competed and won nationally and internationally. Going to horse shows was a family affair, and Jim and Pat became staples under the exhibitor tent or along the rail of the rings where they would watch for hours not only their own horses but would be seen and heard clapping and whooping for all their daughters’ friends. You could count on “Big Jim” to bring the donuts and the camera, while Pat would needlepoint equestrian themed accessories for hours on end. Jim and Pat’s Grand Prix horse, Cantano, brought them so much joy and many appearances in the winner’s circle.

Jim’s capacity to be rational, fair, compassionate, and patient enabled him to serve in numerous leadership positions on countless boards. With over 50 years of sobriety, he mentored and supported people in addiction and recovery, both financially and emotionally. He was a faithful man and believed in God. He knew he was blessed with tremendous gifts, which he unconditionally gave away to bless others. What made Jim exceptional was his spirit of generosity, especially around Christmas time. Not only was he generous with his resources but most importantly with his time, his counsel, and his encouragement to anybody who would ask.

Jim loved his family, his mother’s Christmas cookies, Tab and Diet Coke, Pinwheels and Oreo’s, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Christmas shopping, playing the piano, and hitting chip shots around the house.

His beloved wife, Pat, passed away in 2013, and some of his final words included wanting to see Pat in heaven. He is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws, Sandy & Kelly Jocoy of Agoura Hills, CA, and Jenny & Kevin Schwartz of Darien, CT; his grandchildren and spouses, Ryan & Courtney Jocoy, Taylor Jocoy, Shelby & Russell Hamm; Amanda & Colin Reed; Jameson Schwartz; and Stephanie Schwartz; and his sister, Susan Hyatt of San Diego, CA. He is also survived by his two great grandchildren, Ford Hamm and Georgia Jocoy. He leaves behind his beloved dog, Jazzy, in the loving care of Sandy and Kelly and their dog, Jax.

Rest in peace Dad, Papa, Jim, James Edgar, Little Jimmy, Big Jim, Opa Nui, counsel and friend to so many. You leave behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, patience, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to family. You will be deeply missed and remembered daily. Thank you for your boundless love and grace! May you find eternal peace in the embrace of your beloved wife, Pat, and all those you loved who are waiting for you.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the following causes that Jim cared about:

Pro Kids - First Tee of San Diego: https://prokidsgolf.org/product/memorial-donation/

The Michael Nyuis Foundation for developing equestrian riders: https://www.westpalmsevents.com/michael-nyuis-foundation/