John Cushman, one of the biggest names in commercial property, was being remembered for his philanthropy as well as his six decades in real estate.
John C. Cushman III died Thursday at age 82. He was a member of the founding family of Chicago-based Cushman & Wakefield, which now has more than 52,000 employees and has 400 offices in 60 countries. Cushman had worked in commercial real estate for generations and was known as one of the top leasing brokers in the country.
“The Cushman family is very sad to share that John C. Cushman, III passed away peacefully today," Cushman's family wrote on a post on Cushman & Wakefield's website.
"His wife Jeanine of nearly 60 years and his four sons, their wives, and all 10 grandchildren have all been by his side along with John’s two brothers. He was so extremely proud of his family and leaves behind an incredible and iconic legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, including countless friends and colleagues. John’s successes in commercial real estate were extremely notable but his positive impact on so many careers are what mattered to him even more. John always valued the importance of giving back and was a staunch supporter of many philanthropic efforts. His contributions to so many organizations will contribute to his legacy."
Cushman & Wakefield was founded by Cushman's grandfather John Clydesdale Cushman and his great uncle Bernard Wakefield. John Cushman, though, began his real estate career in 1963 in New York City before moving to Los Angeles in 1967 to open Cushman & Wakefield’s first office in Southern California. In 1978, Cushman and his twin brother, Louis B. Cushman, started their own firm, Cushman Corporation Realty.
Cushman Corp. Realty then merged with Cushman & Wakefield in 2001 with John becoming global chairman. John had been serving on Cushman & Wakefield’s Global Advisory Board.
John Cushman was involved in many activities outside of work. He served as national president of the Boy Scouts of America and on the group's national executive board. In June 1987, former president Gerald Ford gave Cushman a Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, according to the L.A. Times.
He also founded Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards in 1973 in Santa Barbara County, California, the third winery established in the Southern California county, according to the company's website.
In addition, he was a trustee of the Urban Land Institute and a former director of the National Park Foundation.
Cushman's grandfather John Clydesdale Cushman and his great uncle Bernard Wakefield founded Cushman & Wakefield, which began in 1917.