James Crown, a billionaire philanthropist, investor and civic leader who was part of Chicago‘s wealthy and influential Crown family, died in a car crash on his 70th birthday at a racetrack in Colorado, officials said.
Crown, the president of Henry Crown and Company, a family-owned investment firm, suffered evident blunt force trauma in a single-vehicle accident at Aspen Motorsports Park in Woody Creek on Sunday, according to the Pitkin County Coroner’s Office. The final cause of death is still pending an investigation. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY.
Crown’s death shocked and saddened his friends, colleagues and admirers, who praised his legacy as a visionary leader, a generous philanthropist and a loyal friend. He was known for his involvement and contributions to various cultural, educational and civic organizations, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Aspen Institute.
“James Crown was a giant in every sense of the word,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in a statement. “He was a passionate supporter of countless causes and institutions that enriched the lives of millions. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family deeply. And he was a mentor to many, including me, and a friend to even more.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker also issued a statement expressing his condolences to Crown’s family and friends.
“James Crown was a titan of industry, a champion of civic engagement and a generous philanthropist,” Pritzker said. “He dedicated his life to making Chicago and Illinois stronger, more prosperous and more inclusive. He had a big heart and an even bigger vision for the future.”
Dan Porterfield, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, where Crown served as chairman emeritus, also released a statement honoring his contributions.
“James Crown was an extraordinary leader who cared deeply about the Aspen Institute’s mission to advance values-based leadership and address the most critical challenges facing our society,” Porterfield said. “He was instrumental in shaping the Institute’s strategic direction, expanding its global reach and impact, and strengthening its financial sustainability.”
Crown’s family also issued a statement thanking everyone for their condolences and asking for privacy during this difficult time.
“We are devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved James,” the statement read. “He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity and wisdom. He was passionate about his work, his hobbies, his community and his family. He lived every day to the fullest and brought joy to everyone around him.”
Crown was born on Jan. 16, 1953, in Chicago, the son of financier Henry Crown and his wife Shirley. He was the grandson of Henry Crown, who founded Material Service Corporation in 1919, a sand, stone and gravel company that grew into one of the largest privately held businesses and land developers in the country.
Crown graduated from Hampshire College in 1976 and earned his law degree from Stanford University in 1980. He joined Henry Crown and Company in 1985 and became its president in 2002. He oversaw the firm’s diverse portfolio of holdings, which include interests in real estate, banking, transportation, energy, sports and entertainment.
Crown served as a director of JPMorgan Chase & Co., General Dynamics Corporation, Sara Lee Corporation and Aspen Skiing Company. He was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.
Crown supported various causes and institutions that aligned with his values and interests. He was a longtime trustee and former chairman of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he helped fund the Modern Wing expansion and acquire several artworks. He was also a trustee and former chairman of the University of Chicago, where he helped launch the Harris School of Public Policy and the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice.
Crown was also a trustee and former chairman of the Museum of Science and Industry, where he helped create the Henry Crown Space Center and the James S. Crown Center for Innovation. He was also a trustee and chairman emeritus of the Aspen Institute, where he helped establish the Aspen Strategy Group and the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Crown donated millions of dollars to various organizations that work on education, health care, arts and culture, civic engagement and global affairs, such as Teach for America, City Year Chicago, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Brookings Institution.
Crown was an avid sports fan who enjoyed skiing, golfing, sailing and racing. He owned stakes in the Chicago Bulls and New York Yankees and was a regular attendee of their games. He also loved to travel and explore new places with his family and friends.
Crown was respected and admired by his peers and colleagues for his vision, leadership and generosity. He was loved and cherished by his family and friends for his warmth, compassion and wisdom.
Crown’s death is a huge loss for Chicago and the world. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will inspire generations to come.
