Remembering Jim Avila: A CBS Chicago Legend Passes at 69
Jim Avila, an esteemed journalist who spent nearly a decade as a frontline reporter for CBS Chicago, has passed away at 69. Known for his comprehensive coverage of local and global events with a distinct Chicago perspective, Avila leaves behind a significant legacy in broadcasting.
A Pillar of CBS Chicago News (1984-1994)
During his impactful tenure at CBS Chicago, Jim Avila was a familiar and trusted face, delivering news that directly affected the community. He provided live, on-the-scene reports for pivotal moments such as the passing of Mayor Harold Washington in 1987. Avila also played a crucial role in the investigation of the still-unsolved 1992 murder of college student Tammy Zywicki, a case that captivated Chicago and beyond. His versatility extended to covering the city’s vibrant cultural scene, including the openings of local landmarks like the Hard Rock Café and the Limelight nightclub. Working alongside broadcast icons such as Bill Kurtis, Walter Jacobson, and Lester Holt, Avila’s contributions solidified his reputation as a dedicated and insightful reporter for Channel 2 News.
Roots in the Windy City
A graduate of Glenbard East High School in Lombard, Avila’s career began with foundational roles at KCBS radio, KPIX-TV, and Chicago’s ABC 7 before he joined CBS Chicago. This early experience in local news cultivated his strong sense of community reporting, which he carried throughout his distinguished career.
From Chicago to National and Global Reporting
Avila’s talent propelled him beyond Chicago to significant national and international assignments. He became the principal reporter for the O.J. Simpson trial at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. Moving to NBC News, he served as a national correspondent, covering profound events like the September 11, 2001, attacks and reporting from conflict zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Later, at ABC News, he excelled as a senior law and justice correspondent and a White House correspondent during the Obama administration from 2012 to 2016. In 2021, Avila returned to local news, joining San Diego ABC affiliate KGTV 10 as a senior investigative correspondent, a testament to his enduring commitment to impactful journalism.
Accolades and a Journalistic Family
Jim Avila’s exceptional career was marked by numerous awards, including multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards, as well as the prestigious Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association. Journalism was a deeply ingrained family tradition; his father, James Wesley Simon, served as a vice president at both CBS News and Mutual Broadcasting. His brothers, Tom Simon and Jaie Avila, also followed in their father’s and Jim’s footsteps, establishing a remarkable legacy in the field. Jim is survived by his mother, Eve Simon; his sister, Karie Simon; his brothers Tom and Jaie Simon, and his children, Jamie, Jenny, and Evan.
| Career Period | Primary Affiliation/Role | Notable Coverage & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1984-1994 | CBS Chicago (Channel 2 Reporter) | Mayor Harold Washington’s death, Tammy Zywicki murder investigation, Chicago cultural scene. |
| National & Global Roles | KNBC-TV, NBC News, ABC News | O.J. Simpson trial, 9/11 attacks, Iraq & Afghanistan, White House Correspondent. |
| 2023 onwards | KGTV 10 San Diego (Senior Investigative Correspondent) | Returned to local investigative reporting. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Jim Avila
- Who was Jim Avila?
Jim Avila was a distinguished journalist, known for his impactful work at CBS Chicago and later as a national correspondent for NBC and ABC News. He passed away at 69. - What were some of his key reports for CBS Chicago?
At CBS Chicago, Avila notably covered Mayor Harold Washington’s death and the Tammy Zywicki murder case, along with significant local cultural events. - What major national roles did he hold?
Avila served as a national correspondent for NBC News (covering 9/11, Iraq/Afghanistan) and a White House correspondent for ABC News during the Obama administration. - What awards did Jim Avila receive for his journalism?
He was honored with multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association. - Did other members of Jim Avila’s family also work in journalism?
Yes, his father was a CBS News Vice President, and his brothers, Tom and Jaie, are also journalists.
Jim Avila’s dedication to impactful storytelling, whether detailing local Chicago events or global affairs, leaves a profound legacy in journalism. His distinctive voice and commitment to truth will continue to resonate and inspire reporters for years to come.
CBS Chicago Loses Esteemed Reporter Jim Avila
