Annenberg La Vea, James (Levee) Scion to the Annenberg publishing and media fortune, died on October 4, 2014 at the age of 75 from multiple aggressive cancers. Mr. La Vea received a Masters Degree in 19th Century Comparative Literature from Syracuse University and a J.D. from the University of Minnesota, where he passed the Bar. When he received his inheritance, Mr. La Vea fondly recalled his mother's words, which were: "Don't give until it pinches, give until it hurts," and with a sizable percentage of that inheritance, he immediately established the James Annenberg La Vea Charitable Foundation. Those who knew Mr. La Vea well know that nothing gave him more pride and joy than his philanthropic work. With a deep belief that children are our future leaders, he tirelessly supported children's causes, including those established to combat childhood hunger and disease, as well as those that provide for civic education and leadership. Mr. La Vea also believed that there is a strong link between the way we treat animals and the way we treat each other. This led to his passion for supporting wildlife and domesticated animal charities, including those that benefit and protect tigers, leopards, cheetahs, rhinoceros, elephants, as well as homeless dogs and cats. Surviving him are loved ones Jill Genson and Randolph Genson of Boca Raton, FL, Deborah Casperino and Monica Casperino of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Alice Levit Levee of Bal Harbor, FL. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Frank E. Campbell, The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave., New York City. A celebration of Mr. La Vea's life will be held in Boca Raton, FL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 699 Prince St., Alexandria, VA, 22314.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James La Vea

Sponsored by Jill and Randy Genson, his family.

35 Entries

Jill La Vea

October 3, 2024

My dear Jim, 10 years today you died on my arms, not a day goes by that my heart fills with love for you. I think of all the wonderful things we did together.. Randy and I miss you and love you to the moon and beyond,, Xxoo Jill

Jill La Ves

October 5, 2021

One of my favorite photos of Jim and Randy,, taken in 1997

Jill and Randy La Vea

October 4, 2021

Jim, seven years have gone by since you left us,, I miss you and think of you with love every day. I donated to your favorite charity, "Missing and Exploited Children. You are always in my heart. Until we meet again one day,, I love you thisssss much!! Xoxo Jill

Jill La Vea

October 6, 2020

Jim, Six years have gone by since you went to meet your Mom. I still miss you every day and love you to the moon and beyond. Yes my life has changed, a new chapter has started . Randy is home for the moment as Covid has expanded all over the world. He’s doing fabulous!! Im good too,, 32 years sober. You always said I was a miracle! I haven’t been to the city since January, when I visited you. Covid again. I’ll catch you up when I get there.
My love always,, lots of hugs and kisses,,
Jill

Jean-Paul Negron

August 20, 2019

Jim was a kind and generous man. My mother worked for Jim for 20 years and he always made sure to look after my mother and myself. I truly enjoyed his grand visions, he knew each persons capability and delighted in helping people achieve what they thought they couldn't. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. For those who dream and strive for the top, we've lost a strong advocate. I will never forget you Jim.

A special moment

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

Happy together

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

A special moment

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

Alice, Me andJim

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

Egypt

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

Jim and me

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

Jim and Zee, our guide

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

Jim resting

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

Egypt

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

pyramids

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

visiting the pyramids

Jill Genson (La Vea)

February 15, 2015

Randy saying goodbye to Dad RIP Dad

Jill Genson (La Vea)

October 21, 2014

A kiss from my Jim,, another happy time

Jill Genson (La Vea)

October 21, 2014

Jim at Greenbriar 2013

Jill Genson (La Vea)

October 21, 2014

Jim's "Pumpkin Tiger Cat"

Jill Genson (La Vea)

October 21, 2014

Jim and his best friend Hugh from Harris

Jill Genson (La Vea)

October 21, 2014

Jim's Suzee

Jill Genson (La Vea)

October 21, 2014

Father and son,,,Jim and Randy

Jill Genson (La Vea)

October 21, 2014

Jill, Jim and Randy

Jill Genson (La Vea)

October 21, 2014

A surprise kiss..I miss you and love you soooooo much..Love, Jill

Jill Genson

October 21, 2014

Allen

October 10, 2014

Wisdom begins in wonder.

Jim always had a question and at least five "followups". I will remember Jim's way of making me question myself, never putting me on the defensive but leaving me wondering. A friend described Jim as complex and I think that is how he would want us to THINK about him. Thank you Jim for instilling in us a sense of wonder.
O and O

Christopher James Magee

October 10, 2014

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. He was my Godfather. I wish I had a chance to get to know him before he moved to Florida. My family knew Jim from Connecticut. I heard many wonderful stories about Jim from my Father, Joe Magee. My Father and Jim were good friends and spent much time together in Westport and Greenwich and going to Islander games. Our condolences to those he left behind. The world will be a much less exciting place without him.

Tiger cub playing at La Vea Dam at Tiger Canyons, South Africa

Sunette (for John Varty) Fourie

October 9, 2014

Mr la Vea generously helped our tiger conservation project. Thank you for that! He will always be remembered - every day tigers swim and play in the La Vea Dam at Tiger Canyons in South Africa. Our condolences to his family and friends.