In Memoriam: Consultant James Little

James H. Little, one of the founders of Cini-Little International, died June 13 after a brief battle with leukemia. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and their families.

“Jim was a visionary consultant to the industry, a generous mentor to our colleagues, and an outstanding partner, gentleman and friend,” said John Cini, who founded the foodservice consulting firm with Little in 1985. “I will sorely miss him.”

Little was responsible for a number of important global projects over his 50-year career. He was known for his work on large, complex theme parks, mixed-use, sports and convention projects—including Universal Studios Theme Parks, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, sports facilities for several Olympics, and many major sports stadiums in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

“Jim Little was a giant in the industry, a family man, and a friend for almost 50 years. I can’t express how much I will miss all his wonderful attributes,” stated Bill Eaton, Cini’s Chairman of the Board. “He was a true consultant with knowledge far beyond most and I turned to him often for confirmation that my solutions to complex problems were appropriate. Often he would tweak them and the result was much better. He will never be replaced nor forgotten.”

For more than 40 years. Little was an active member of Foodservice Consultants Society International, and served as FCSI president for the merger of FFCS and ISFSC.

“Everything that has and will be said about Jim Little can only begin to touch the value he has provided to his clients, associates and the foodservice industry,” said Cini colleague Ron Kooser. “Jim always added a new and challenging perspective, whether it was for a committee, board, or client project. He will be missed by so many, and in so many ways.”

The Germantown, Md.-based firm has been helmed since 2012 by CEO Diane Dowling; Richard Eisenbarth was appointed President and COO earlier this year.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 24 from 5-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held June 25 at 4 p.m., at Mount Pleasant Cemetery Visitation Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto (east gate entrance). A memorial service also is scheduled July 23 at the Athenaeum, California Institute of Technology, in Pasadena, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Jim’s memory may donate to: the FCSI Educational Foundation, Imagine A Cure for Leukemia, or a charity of one’s choice.