POSTING TYPE: Obituaries

Author: Anjala Krishnen

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Lee Business School and the Department of Marketing and International Business at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) are sad to share the news of the passing of longtime faculty member Professor James (Jim) Cross. Dr. Cross will be remembered by many across campus for his reliable and calm nature. Dr. Cross earned both his doctoral degree in marketing and his MBA from the University of Minnesota.

He began his career working as a market analyst in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and five years later shifted into teaching as an assistant professor at Arizona State University.  He joined UNLV as an associate professor of marketing in 1989 and has been with UNLV since then. Dr. Cross taught many marketing courses over the years including Strategic Marketing for the MBA and EMBA programs, Marketing Policies, Marketing Channels, Sales Management, Business Marketing, and Principles of Marketing. The majority of his research focused on sales and marketing and was pedagogical in nature.

Over the course of his more than 30-year career here, he was a foundational member of the department. He served in various leadership roles, including eight years as department chair, director of the MBA program, and he sat on several committees across campus, at the college level, and within his department. He was also active in several professional organizations including Marketing Educators’ Association, Academy of Marketing Science, Society for Marketing Professional Services, Society of Franchising, and Beta Gamma Sigma.

Jim was active in a wine group for years. He loved collecting wines, going to tastings locally and at vineyards in California. He was also loyal to major league sports teams in his native Minnesota, including the Vikings.

Some memories by Dr. Cross’ colleagues:

“Every department needs a Jim to keep things on an even keel. Jim had a good life – he lived the life he wanted.” – Dr. Jack Schibrowsky

“Whenever I would be stressed about something, he always said if you can’t undo it, don’t stress about it.” – Dr. Gillian Naylor

“Jim was always the first one on campus, getting ready for classes with a smile on his face and a cup of coffee in his hand. MIB will miss him” – Dr. Anjala Krishen