Arkansas Gazette; Littlerock AR; 2007-3-2

JAMES LEONARD LAKE, 75, affectionately known to most as Jim,passed
quietly and peacefully at his home in Little Rock on Monday night,
Feb. 26, 2007. Jim was raised in the cornfields of Atlanta, Ill.,
earned a Bachelor's at Illinois Wesleyan University and an MBA at
Harvard University.He served his country as a member of the artillery
in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War.  After a successful
career in business and finance in Chicago, Jim and his family relocated
to Little Rock in 1973, where he held the position of Vice President at
the Commercial National Bank for several years. Subsequently, Jim became
proficient in the bond business as an associate at T.J. Rainey & Sons. In
1979 Jim and six friends founded Crews & Associates, Inc. in Little Rock,
a regional investment banking firm with clients nationwide. Over the years
the firm grew to become a multimillion dollar enterprise with hundreds
of employees; Jim was an integral part of his company's success and was
highly respected by everyone.  Jim was a prominent member ofhis community
and was involved in a diverse array of civic activities. He was president
of a city library, founding president of a church, campaign manager for
a county office, chairman of a United Way campaign, elected officer of a
city property owners association, board member of a symphony orchestra,
and board member of Wildwood Park, a 105-acre park for the performing
arts.  A pillar of Little Rock's character for 34 years and a cherished
member of his Church, Jim inspired all with his dazzling neckties,
his love of tennis, and his passion for Jazz music, which he championed
in his radio program 11 11 Jazz, heard weekly by fans across Arkansas.
Jim recently wrote the following about himself: "I do not fear death. I
do hope to dodge it long enough to see (a) contact made with space aliens,
(b) developments of nanotechnology, (c) benefits from stem cell research,
(d) snuffing out terrorism, which is the most pernicious condition facing
the world, and (e) the Cubs win another pennant."  "Jimmer" is survived
by Nancy Jo Ash, his wife of 51 years, also of Atlanta; their sons Tom,
Andy and Barry, and their spouses; and grandson Nicholas.  A Celebration
of Jim's Life will be held at the Unity Center of Truth at Mount Pleasant
on Saturday, March 3, at 4 p.m. Address: 5025 Church Road, Little Rock,
Ark. 72210, (501) 217-0807. Directions: I-430 South to Col. Glenn West,
left at Lawson, left at Church Road. Colorful ties optional!!! In lieu
of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim's name to the Unity Center of
Truth, or to the charity of your choice.