Past President Jim Etherington

The London Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Etherington, who served as President of our Board of Directors from 1991 to 1992. Jim was also honored with a Chair's Award in 1987-88 for his outstanding volunteer work with the Chamber.

Reflecting on Jim's legacy, former London Chamber of Commerce CEO Gerry McCartney shared, "Jim Etherington was the consummate communicator.  As anyone who has held the post of Board Chair of the Chamber knows, you have to be great at communications. And you better believe if you were in corporate public relations as Jim was with Imperial Oil, The Royal Bank, and London Life you had to be especially great at communications or you wouldn't be there.

Jim served on numerous Boards and Foundations during his lifelong volunteer career serving London. I was particularly proud to have worked with Jim on the establishment of the London Economic Development Corporation and with his continuing support of the Chamber of Commerce. Always calm, always resolute, and always so well versed on the issues of the day. Jim was one of the great policy champions of the Chamber and helped forge its reputation as the Voice of Business. He was also one of the members of the selection committee that hired me as the Chamber's CEO back in 1996 and I will be forever grateful for his support and guidance. Jim deserves our collective and heartfelt gratitude for his outstanding contributions to the Chamber and the wider community in London."

Past President Gord Hume added, "Jim was a passionate Londoner who served our city in countless ways. His impact on both business and the community will be fondly remembered."

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim's family and friends during this difficult time.