James Larnard Ferguson

James Larnard Ferguson, former CEO of the General Foods Corporation, died on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at his home on James Island in Charleston, S.C. Jim led a full life as a successful executive, consummate sportsman and committed philanthropist. He was 90.

His death was confirmed by his wife Esther.

Born and raised in Evanston, IL, Jim Ferguson was a leading member of the Greatest Generation. He built bridges in the Philippines as a member of the Army Corps of Engineers in World War II, attended Hamilton College (1950) and graduated from the Harvard Business School (1952).

Jim Ferguson launched his career in consumer goods marketing when he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to join Procter & Gamble as a brand manager. In 1963 he joined General Foods, the world's leading packaged food company. Over the next 26 years he held a series of marketing and general management positions. In 1973 he became Chief Executive Officer, growing General Foods domestically and internationally, until it was purchased by Philip Morris in 1985. He retired in 1989 as Chairman - Executive Committee.

In the 1980s Jim was actively involved in supporting several important national initiatives. He served for President Reagan on the National Commission of White House Fellows and the National Committee on Public Service and made significant policy recommendations as Chairman of the Compensation Task Force (1987). During this time he was also the Chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations, the New York Botanical Gardens, and Phoenix House. Corporate directorships included Chase Manhattan Bank, Glaxo-Wellcome, Federated Department Stores, Union Carbide, Philip Morris.

In addition, Jim was a Life Trustee at Hamilton College and a long serving Trustee at the Aspen Institute, organizations where he contributed significantly to the nation's educational and civic life.

Retiring from his full time business career allowed Jim to pursue a portfolio of passions. When he moved to Charleston, S.C. (1990) he immersed himself in the life of the region. Most notably, Jim was the Chairman of the South Carolina Aquarium, leading the successful effort to open a world class marine education and conservation center in 2000. He also acted as a Director for the MUSC Foundation for Research Development and was a Lifetime Trustee of Middleton Place Foundation.

From an early age, fishing and hunting were central to Jim. Indeed, Jim Ferguson was a superb marksman and an avid fly fisherman. These sporting skills took him to virtually every continent and were core to his enjoyment of his homes in Aspen, CO., Charleston, SC, Man O'War Cay (Bahamas) and Trujillo, Spain. He relished the company of his English Springer and King Charles Cavalier Spaniels.

He is survived by Esther Baskin Ferguson, his wife of 33 years, and three children Deborah Bekker, Dick Ferguson (Hadley) and Doug Ferguson (Salina), eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The Funeral Service for Jim has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 16, 2016 in the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 67 Anson Street at 4:00 p.m.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested to be sent to the Gibbes Museum, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401.