AOL Co-founder Jim Kimsey Dies of Cancer at 76

James V. Kimsey, well known for his business ventures and philanthropy in and around the nation’s capital, died March 1 at the age of 76 from cancer. He lived in McLean, Va.

Kimsey grew up in Arlington and attended Gonzaga College High School and St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. He went on to Georgetown University on a year and then graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served in the U.S. Army in South Vietnam.

Kimsey later bought downtown D.C. property and entered the bar and restaurant business but soon was working in the video and computer world, where he become the co-founder and CEO of America Online — AOL. He served as AOL CEO until 1995, when Steve Case took over the position. Kimsey was chairman emeritus at AOL.

Kimsey went on to found the Kimsey Foundation and was involved in many charities, non-profits and cultural and educational institutions — from the Library of Congress to the Kennedy Center to West Point. He was well known in Washington social circles and had many friends in the nation’s capital, around the country and across the world.

Kimsey’s three sons, Michael, Mark and Ray, issued the following statement:

“It is with deep sadness that we write to inform you of the death of our father, James V. Kimsey.   As many of you know, Dad had been battling cancer for several years, and his condition continued to deteriorate over the past few months, until he succumbed to the disease this morning, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.??

“In addition to having a loving family, Dad led a vibrant, adventurous life in the military, in business, and in philanthropy. He made a great difference in the lives of so many. We will miss him terribly.??

“We are in the process of planning a memorial service and will be in touch as things progress.”?