I don’t know how many people out there worked with or knew Jim Jontz. He was a long-time activist who worked in the trenches of labor and politics for a long, long time…Jim died today of cancer. Here is what Americans For Democratic Action sent out:

It is with profound sorrow that I announce the death today of Jim Jontz. As many but not all of you know, Jim has been battling cancer for more than two years now. Today he lost that fight and we are all diminished. For me personally, this is the loss of a friend of more than 20 years. I have known him as a young state legislator, a Member of Congress, an activist, ADA president, mentor, advisor, leader of Working Families Win and so much more. Each of you will have similar memories.

The past two weeks have, in many ways, been harder on us than on Jim. He was in no pain and was surrounded by family. You will not be surprised to know that he worked until he literally could not. We have committed to him that his work will continue and we will live up to that commitment.

His sister tells me that he has designated the ADA Education Fund for contributions. These contributions are tax deductible and will be dedicated to Working Families Win’s educational activities.

For a short period of time, Jim was active in the National Writers Union, trying to bring his expertise to the work of organizing independent writers. I got to know him back then and, most recently, I’ve been serving with him on the advisory board of United Professionals. He will really be missed.

Here’s another story from The Indianapolis Star.