Jim Avila, a veteran broadcast journalist who spent nearly two decades as a correspondent for ABC News and became a familiar presence on World News Tonight and 20/20, died on Thursday in Bethesda, Md. He was 70.
His death, after a long illness, was confirmed by ABC News.
Mr. Avila joined ABC in 2004 after reporting for NBC News and KNBC in Los Angeles, where he covered some of the nation’s most closely watched trials, including the O.J. Simpson case. At ABC, he specialized in law, politics and consumer affairs, and from 2012 to 2016 served as the network’s senior White House correspondent. In that role, he reported on President Barack Obama’s administration and broke the story of the reopening of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.
In 2015, the White House Correspondents’ Association honored him with the Merriman Award for his reporting on the release of Alan Gross, a U.S. contractor held in Cuba. Four years later, he was inducted into the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Hall of Fame, recognition of his trailblazing role as one of the few Latino journalists in prominent national broadcast positions.
Born in Los Angeles in 1955, Mr. Avila began his career in local television before moving to the national stage. His brother, Jaie Avila, a reporter in San Antonio, said Jim’s career inspired him to enter journalism. In 2018, Jaie donated a kidney to his brother.
Mr. Avila is survived by his three children, Jamie, Jenny and Evan, and two grandchildren.
Tributes
Colleagues across the country remembered Mr. Avila as a fearless reporter and generous mentor. Former coworkers in Los Angeles praised his clarity and fairness, while fellow White House correspondents recalled his steady presence during the Obama years. In Chicago, journalists highlighted his role as a teacher in the newsroom.
ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic said in a statement:“Jim was a gifted journalist and a generous colleague. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, and we thank him for his many contributions and unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth.”
Legacy
Jim Avila’s passing leaves a profound void in American broadcast journalism. He is remembered not only for his sharp investigative reporting and White House coverage but also for his mentorship, generosity, and trailblazing role in advancing Latino representation in the media.
