Pasadena

James Robert Ukropina passed away at his home in Pasadena on April 8, 2025, at the age of 87, from natural causes. A distinguished lawyer, trusted advisor, and generous philanthropist, Jim was known for his unwavering ethics, deep intellect, and lifelong commitment to positively impacting the lives of others.

Born in Fresno, California, Jim was raised in San Marino with his twin sister, Jo-an, and older brother, John. His father, Robert, immigrated from Serbia before World War I and became a respected building contractor despite arriving in America with little English and only a fourth-grade education. His mother, Persida, served as an officer in the Eastern Star and was active in community life.

Jim credited his family with instilling in him strong values.

His brother John, a Caltech graduate and well-known contractor and math teacher, was a guiding figure in his life. Jim and Jo-an shared a close bond, attending school together through Stanford University and remaining connected despite living in different states.

Jim graduated from South Pasadena San Marino High School as student body president. At Stanford, he played football as both quarterback and tight end, served as president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and chaired the Interfraternity Judicial Council. He earned his BA in American History in 1959, followed by an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. After a year of active duty in the U.S. Air Force and service in the Air National Guard, Jim earned his JD from the University of Southern California Law School in 1965, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Southern California Law Review.

He began his legal career at O’Melveny and Myers, becoming the firm’s 100th lawyer and later, a partner in 1972. He left in 1981 to pursue corporate leadership opportunities and returned to the firm in1990. Jim had a distinguished career advising prominent individuals and major corporations in areas such as securities law, acquisitions, and corporate governance. His clients included Bing Crosby and companies navigating complex business transactions.

In the 1980s, he held executive roles with Santa Fe International and Pacific Lighting (later Pacific Enterprises), overseeing legal operations and contributing to businesses in energy, utilities, and international drilling.

Jim served on the boards of ten companies, including Lockheed Martin and Pacific Life, where he was lead director.

He was admired for his strategic thinking, clarity, and ethical leadership.

His devotion to Stanford was lifelong. He and his former wife, Lois, were married in the Stanford Memorial Church. Jim maintained close ties with fellow alumni and supported the university through service on the Stanford Athletic Board, as class agent, and as a trustee. Notably, he chaired the university's presidential search committee that recommended John Hennessy, later Stanford’s president for 16 years. He also served as a trustee of Occidental College.

Beyond law and education, Jim was a trusted advisor to individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions. He wrote a book, The Board, about how corporate boards address critical decisions and crises.

Philanthropy was central to Jim’s life. Over two decades, he played a key leadership role at the W.M.

Keck Foundation, which supports scientific and medical research, serving as director, senior officer, and president.

A passionate traveler, Jim visited 65 countries and all 50 U.S. states, logging over two million miles in the air. One of his most memorable moments was flying aboard an F-16 test flight. His many interests included golf, tennis, art, photography, novels, and fine dining. He was a member of The California Club, Valley Hunt Club, Annandale Golf Club, and the Valley Club in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Jim leaves behind a meaningful and lasting legacy. He is survived by his former wife of 40 years, Lois Ukropina, of Sun Valley, Idaho. He was predeceased by his wife of 15 years, Margaret Duckhorn, a leading Napa Valley vintner.

Jim was a devoted father to three sons, Mike (Kimber) of Egremont, Massachusetts; David (Marta) of Eugene, Oregon; and Mark of Sun Valley, Idaho. He also took great joy in his five grandchildren. He was proud of his extended family, including six beloved nieces and nephews: Marsha Aguirre, Jan Devens, Sara Rapp, Reno Rosser, Bill Ukropina, and Rob Ukropina.

A private family memorial will be held in his honor.

In lieu of flowers or cards, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Stanford University, designated for The Stanford Fund, Stanford Athletics, or the James R.

Ukropina Football Endowment Fund. Gifts can be made online at give.stanford.edu, by phone at (650) 725-4360, or by check made payable to "Stanford University" and sent to: Stanford University Development Services P.O. Box 20466 Stanford, CA 94309-0466 Friends and colleagues may visit cabotandsons.com to express their condolences to Jim’s family.