SWA Employee News

SWA Mourns the Passing of Former CEO Jim Parker

EmployeeNews

January 27, 2019 at 2:45 PM

With heavy hearts, the Southwest Airlines Family mourns the loss of our former Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), James “Jim” F. Parker, who passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Jim’s wife, Pat, and the entire Parker family.

Jim joined Southwest in 1986, where he served as Vice President and General Counsel, before succeeding Herb as CEO in 2001. Jim retired from Southwest as CEO in 2004. Prior to joining Southwest, Jim worked as an attorney with the San Antonio law firm of Oppenheimer, Rosenberg, Kelleher & Wheatley. He also worked as Assistant Attorney General of Texas.

Jim’s contributions to Southwest Airlines were many and immeasurable, and he valiantly led Southwest through one of the industry’s most trying times in the wake of the tragic 9/11 attacks. Under Jim’s Leadership, Southwest successfully navigated through this dark time, preserving the job security of our People while remaining profitable under the most unlikely of odds.

We are posting a tribute to Jim on SWALife’s ‘In LUVing Memory’ page if you wish to share a comment. To honor Jim, we will by flying the Southwest flag at half-staff this week, and we encourage you to take a moment of remembrance for Jim. We will share more information with you as plans come together to honor Jim.

Jim was a beloved member of our Southwest Family, and we will miss him dearly. Rest in peace, Jim.