Former ABC News Senior Correspondent Jim Avila Passes Away at 69 Following Battle with Illness
The world of broadcast journalism is in mourning following the death of veteran correspondent Jim Avila, whose steadfast dedication to telling complex stories made him a respected figure across American media. On Thursday, November 13, 2025, ABC News announced that Jim Avila had died at 69 after a long illness. His career spanned decades, comprised of investigative work, White House reporting, high-profile trials, and a resolute commitment to holding power accountable.
At the heart of Avila’s legacy was a palpable sense of responsibility—he believed journalism was not just about delivering facts but about giving voice to consequence, to justice, to the stories that ripple through lives. His time at ABC News as a Los Angeles-based senior correspondent, covering politics, justice, law, and consumer investigations, was distinguished by professionalism and clarity under pressure. According to ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic, “Jim was a gifted journalist and a generous colleague.”
Part of what set Avila apart was the breadth of his work. He served as a correspondent for the news-magazine show 20/20, and prior to his tenure at ABC, his reporting included stints at other major networks and local stations. His reportage crossed from the trial of O. J. Simpson to immigration issues at the U.S.-Mexico border, from the transformation of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba to the day-to-day investigations that impact ordinary lives. When Avila broke the news that the United States and Cuba had reopened diplomatic relations—a story which earned him the prestigious Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents’ Association—it underscored how even seasoned journalists must stay alert to seismic global shifts.
His career was not without personal struggle. Avila faced health challenges courageously, including a kidney transplant donated by his brother, which marked one chapter in his life that was defined not just by reporting but by resilience. After departing ABC News in 2021, he continued his journalistic mission at KGTV, ABC’s San Diego affiliate, working as a senior investigative reporter. His return to the field embodied his belief that journalism is more than a job—it is a calling.
When the news broke of his passing, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and the broader journalism community. Those who worked alongside him described a professional who could seamlessly move between breaking news and deep investigations, always with integrity. His dedication to truth-seeking and his willingness to invest time in complex stories reflected the highest ideals of the profession. His death is not only the loss of an individual but a reminder of how rare such dedication can be in an increasingly fast-paced media environment.
His early life laid the foundation for the reporter he would become. Born in 1956 in Lombard, Illinois, Avila began his career in radio before transitioning to television—a path that led him through San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and beyond. He didn’t simply chase headlines; he sought meaning, context, and accountability. His work covered not just events but systems: criminal justice, immigration, governmental transitions, and consumer rights. That wide scope made him versatile and influential.
The trajectory of his career also intersects with major moments in contemporary history. As the senior law and justice correspondent at ABC News, he covered the trials of high-profile figures such as O. J. Simpson, Michael Jackson, and Jerry Sandusky. These were not just sensational headlines but stories that reflected societal tensions, legal debates, and the consequences of power wielded over individuals. Similarly, his tracking of immigration and civil unrest—such as his reporting on the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore—underscored his willingness to engage with the pressing issues of our time.
In his later years, Avila continued to engage his curiosity and craft. At KGTV in San Diego, after his formal network career, he once remarked that retirement was “boring,” and that he still wanted to make an impact in journalism. His decision to return to reporting affirmed that for him, being a journalist was not about fame—it was about pursuit.
For his family, the loss is deeply personal. He is survived by his three children—Jamie, Jenny, and Evan—and countless colleagues who regarded him as a mentor, colleague, and friend. The statement from ABC News recognized not just his contributions on air, but “his unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth.” The journalism community—and indeed the public—will remember him for stories that mattered, for questions asked when silence ruled, and for clarity provided in times of uncertainty.
As the span of decades in broadcasting continues to contract and the pace of news accelerates, legacies like Jim Avila’s serve as touchstones. They remind us that amid sound-bite journalism and ever-shifting platforms, there remains a place for deeply researched reporting, for patient investigation, for the rigorous pursuit of truth. Avila’s career embodied that ethos—and his passing invites us to reflect on how journalism is defined not just by speed or spectacle, but by service and integrity.
In the wake of his death, newsroom desks will carry his absence, but the mark he leaves endures. Young reporters will read his examples of fairness and persistence. Long-time viewers will remember the calm, authoritative voice reporting from the field, asking the right questions, and challenging assumptions. In that sense, Jim Avila’s story does not end here—it becomes part of journalism’s continuing story.
For now, those who knew him and those who followed his work—and even the countless unseen viewers touched by his reporting—mourn the loss of a journalist who understood the stakes. The definition of excellence in his field may shift with time, but the principles he stood for will resonate. Jim Avila once said journalism was about connecting—to power, to people, to truth. His life confirmed that message.
