It is with profound sadness that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has learnt of the passing of James L. Easton, an IOC Honorary Member, at the age of 88.
Mr Easton was a long-serving Member of the IOC from 1994 to 2015, when he became an Honorary Member, and his enduring commitment to sport and the Olympic Movement left an indelible mark on the global sporting community.
A businessman, philanthropist and pioneer in sports goods manufacturing, Mr Easton drove the innovation and development of cutting-edge technology in a way that had a lasting impact on many sports, foremost among them archery. His tenure as President of World Archery (formerly FITA) from 1989 to 2005 showcased his leadership prowess and unwavering commitment to the growth of the sport on a global scale. He is credited with leading the sport through substantial modernisation and professionalisation.
“James Easton was not only a long-time IOC Member, but also a long-time President of the then-International Archery Federation, and was instrumental in bringing archery into the Olympic programme,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “He is the one who laid the groundwork for the significant growth that the sport has achieved since then. His contribution to sport is immense, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to support and inspire generations.”
Beyond the sporting arena, Mr Easton’s philanthropic endeavours underscored his commitment to the values of Olympism. He started the charitable Easton Foundations in 2006 to develop archery at the grassroots level, and was the founding donor of the World Archery Development Foundation, which manages the World Archery Excellence Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Born in 1935, Mr Easton practised many sports, including archery, athletics, basketball, handball, tennis, golf and skiing. His career in sports administration began as organiser of the World Outdoor Target Archery Championships in Long Beach, California, in 1983. Following this, he was Archery Commissioner, Mayor of the Athletes’ Village, and Head of Technology during the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984. Throughout his stellar career, he served as a Board member of the LA84 Foundation, a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and as IOC Vice-President between 2002 and 2006.
Mr Easton’s dedication to the Olympic cause earned him the Olympic Order in 2015, in recognition of his outstanding contributions.
He passed away on 4 December 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will be etched in the annals of sports history.
The IOC expresses its deepest condolences to Mr Easton’s family and friends and the global sports community. As a mark of respect, the Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast for three days at Olympic House in Lausanne.
