James F Nordstrom

James F. Nordstrom, a retired co-chairman of Nordstrom Inc. and a grandson of the department store company's founder, died of cancer in March 1996 at his home in Seattle. He was 56. Until June 1996, Mr. Nordstrom helped lead the retailer as part of an unusual management structure that included his brother, John; his cousin Bruce Nordstrom and John A. McMillan, a cousin by marriage. All held the title co-chairman, with the separate title of president rotating among them. Mr. Nordstrom, known within the company as Mr. Jim, remained a director of the company and chairman of the board's executive committee until his death. He was the son of Elmer J. and Katherine Nordstrom, and a grandson of John W. Nordstrom, who co-founded the shoe store that eventually became the family business. Mr. Nordstrom grew up in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington. Mr. Nordstrom is survived by his wife, Sally Anderson Nordstrom of Bellevue, Wash.; four sons, Daniel, of Bellevue, Wash., and William, Charles and James Jr., all of Seattle; his mother, of Seattle; his brother, John, of Bellevue, and four grandchildren.