Jim was one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. When our paths first crossed twenty years ago, he was already retired from his legal career and pursuing his creative and philanthropic interests. I was in my early twenties trying to figure out how to carve a path in the world.

What immediately struck me about Jim was his accessibility and humility. He was clearly quite financially successful, yet just as interested in, and at ease with, my world, which was small in comparison. I frequently asked for his advice – should I buy the bigger truck? Does this job look like a good career path? – and he never hesitated to guide and lovingly coach me through everything I brought to him.

Jim and Helen were a tremendous pair and together they mentored me through some of the toughest challenges, and biggest accomplishments, of my life. They held me close during my divorce and they hosted my graduation from business school. I saw them do this for many others.

One of my favorite things about Jim was his boyish smile. I remember one time cracking a joke about being Irish and he just couldn’t help himself, letting his laughter spill throughout the room, genuinely tickled to the bone. I’ll never forget his cheerfulness in that moment, his usually sheepish chuckle abandoned for a righteous bellow. It’s one of my favorite memories of him.

Jim showed me, and everyone, unwavering respect, kindness, and love. He was the model of fairness, and he personally taught me how to love others more truly, regardless of circumstance. I will always be grateful for the great mark he left on my life. 

Jim was one of the kindest, most generous and smartest men I’ve ever known.  And his love for his wife Helen was so wonderful to see.  I know y’all miss him terribly, but I hope knowing he is with Jesus and not suffering any longer brings you some peace.  Love to all, 

Irene Charles

Dearest Sister Helen & Family~

May the love you shared with Mr. Jim be a constant source of strength and peace in the days to come!

We Love you all,

Steven and Rhonda Beard

Posted on behalf of Suzanne Stanford:

The wonderful and full life our friend and partner Jim Eckmann led ended last Friday afternoon, December 8. He was 84 years old. I suspect Jim would love us to remember him having fun with his son, James Hays, getting ready to attend our Luce Reunion on October 5. As you may know, Jim had Lewy Body Dementia, an incurable and daunting disease. But in true Jim Eckmann fashion, he woke up every morning and chose happiness and focused, with his adored and cherished wife Helen, on celebrating the joys of treasured moments.

I am sure I met Jim on my first day, if not during my first hour, at Luce Forward in September 1975. Along with Mike, Scott, Pat and the late Walter Cummings, Jim was our class advisor, and, I, for one, needed a lot of advice. Jim was spectacular in this not easy role. He mentored, assured, comforted and taught us how to comport ourselves and navigate the political landscape of a large firm. No easy task. We could go into Jim’s 17th floor office, close the door, flop down, unload our burden of the day and know we would be treated with respect, kindness, great advice, and confidentiality. As the only woman with close to 60 men, I probably flopped down more than the average mentee.

As a personal aside, Jim’s support of my career as a woman who wanted to be a litigator was unwavering. There were important partners in the trial department who vehemently believed a woman did not belong in a courtroom. Not Jim. He not only stood up for me but had me be his associate on some large cases and did not hesitate to send me into the courtroom to do “a man’s work.” I am forever grateful.

Jim was an amazing litigator. A decorated naval veteran, he graduated from Stanford Law School, then joined Luce and easily became a partner after five years. With his affable manner, gigantic intellect and keen ability to analyze issues, he enjoyed great success. Jim left Luce, along with Eric Lodge and Don Salem in 1978 or 1979. I believe I literally sobbed. These were my mentors and buddies and I worked largely on their cases. They left! I was left with a big case to manage, I did not know what I was doing, and I had to grow up legally FAST. The foundation these wonderful guys had given me saved my bacon.

I always kept up with Jim but not on such a frequent basis. A lot of what I do know is because Don returned to Luce, and he and Jim remained the best and closest of friends until ironically they both passed these last two months, combatting the same affliction.

I believe Jim specialized in construction defect litigation, mainly large tenant suits against developers. Apparently, he was masterful, became renowned in his field, received awards and professional accolades, enjoyed significant financial success, and then retired from the practice of law at the apex of his career to pursue other deeper interests.

Helen was joined at the hip with Jim throughout these new chapters. Helen Eckmann is one of the most inspiring, fun, brilliant, spiritual, and gorgeous inside and out women I have ever met. It is no wonder Helen and Jim fell head over heels in love around 35 years ago. They were and always remained the perfect couple, bundled in love of family, a sense of commitment to make better the lives they could touch, exuded fun and joy and loved new challenges and purpose.

Jim decided to switch to his right brain and give vent to his creative side. He became an author of serious fiction and a screen writer, including at least one prize winning script.

Jim and Helen also devoted their energies to many causes which held great meaning for them. I know their personal and philanthropic lives were centered in their very strong Christian faith. I can only begin to imagine the enormous good Jim and Helen did during his lifetime. Jim exuded goodness, peace, and seemed totally comfortable living in his skin. I suspect he did not face death with any regrets. He was beloved by his wife, children and grandchildren. What better tribute can there be.

Written in sadness and joy.

Susanne

Dear Helen,

I am deeply saddened to hear about Jim’s passing. His remarkable life, service in the Navy, and the positive impact he had on so many are a testament to the incredible person he was. I feel privileged to have known him, and I can only imagine the profound loss you and your family are experiencing.

Helen….we have been friends for about 60 years. We grew up on the same block and our parents were very close. Our Mothers were besties till the very end.

I look at you as the sister I never had. Please know that you’re in my thoughts, and I’m here for you during this difficult time.

Much love and heartfelt condolences.

Patty (Collins) Harris 

My sincerest condolences to Aunt Helen, Kara, Matt, Laura, Jimmy and the entire Jim Eckmann family.  What a giant of a man, who positively impacted so many people during a life lived to the fullest.  I feel sad that I won't get to share one more laugh with my Uncle Jim but incredibly grateful for the time spent with him and for the indelible imprint he left on my life.  During my teenage years and throughout adulthood, Uncle Jim has been a role model to me for the type of man and person I aspire to be.  

He was kind, generous, calm, and empathetic.  He loaned my family money during a time of need.

He was intelligent and highly successful in his career, and although I knew that because of the amazing house, the corvette, and because my Mom told me, I would not have known that just from talking to him because he was modest and humble.  

He was a good listener and had a thirst for knowledge even late in his life.  I was fortunate to be able to spend some time with him a few months ago and even though his mind was not what it once was, we had a long, detailed discussion on U.S. foreign policy, China, and India.  

He had a tremendous sense of humor -  I have so many memories of laughing to the point of tears with Uncle Jim, my brother Steven, Aunt Helen, Kara, Matt, Laura, and Jimmy.  

He gave good advice, but not in the preachy, "I'm smarter than you" way that advice sometimes gets delivered in.  In 2013, when I was engaged to my wife Whitney, we spent a few days with Jim and Helen on a West coast trip.  As we were loading up in the car to drive away, he leaned in to the driver window and said, "you've got a great one there....one small piece of advice....you have a tendency to talk over her...she's as smart as you are and you will be partners for the rest of your life so you need to stop doing that and let her talk."  

Thank you so much for everything Uncle Jim.  You will be missed but very fondly remembered....especially every time I catch myself about to interrupt my wife : )