Valley philanthropist, businessman Jim Houston loses battle with pancreatic cancer

The Coachella Valley lost one of its biggest supporters, former CBS Local 2 Owner and philanthropist Jim Houston. He lost a battle with pancreatic cancer and died Friday night, his daughter-in-law Lisa Houston confirmed.

Jim Houston, along with his wife Jackie Lee, bought CBS Local 2 in 2002. He sold the station to News Press and Gazette Company in 2012, merging it with local stations KESQ-TV and KUNA-TV. CBS Local 2 anchor Kris Long said, “Mr. Houston was a wonderful man, who brought the CBS Network to the Coachella Valley. It was an honor to work for him and his late wife Jackie Lee.”

Former KPSP Local 2 Vice President and General Manager remembered working with Houston from 2007 to 2012. He said working with Houston was fun, creating projects including the Coachella Valley Spotlight, recognizing Valley organizations making a difference in the community.

“Jim made it easy,” Perry said. “He was a great entrepreneur. He really understood the business world. Even though he had not specifically been in the TV business before, he knew where the leverage points in the business were. He would always say, ‘Do the right thing for the community.’ You don’t hear that a lot in broadcasting anymore, but he was able to do that.”

The Houstons have always been known for donating to many valley charities including the McCallum Theatre, Palm Springs International Film Festival, FIND Food Bank, Eisenhower Medical Center and many others.

PSIFF Chairman Harold Matzner said in a statement, “A great loss. A great man and a great friend.”

College of the Desert wrote on Facebook, “We have lost another like no other in our COD (College of the Desert) family of friends and supporters. Our condolences to the entire Houston family over the passing of Jim Houston – business, civic, cultural and philanthropic leader and longtime supporter of higher education in our valley.”

Sunday, FIND Food Bank released on statement on Houston’s death:

“FIND Food Bank is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Jim Houston, an unparalleled supporter of FIND’s mission and an inspiration to all of us in the FIND Food Bank family. His commitment to helping others reached every corner of the Coachella Valley and beyond. Our organization was one of so many that benefited from the tremendous philanthropic efforts of Mr. Houston and his family over the years. FIND Food Bank joins the entire Coachella Valley in mourning the loss of such a generous man. Mr. Houston’s legacy continues through the compassion and enthusiasm he showed for the organizations he served and the thousands upon thousands of people whose lives were made better as a result of his kindness. FIND Food Bank has lost a dear friend. And the Coachella Valley has lost a visionary. We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Houston’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Lisa Houston said Jim passed away Friday night after being at Eisenhower Medical Center for the past ten days. She also said he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

“The family is grateful that he went peacefully and was not in pain,” she said. “Losing this icon will leave a hole in the Coachella Valley.”

Lisa Houston said funeral services will probably be held in about 2 weeks due to the Easter Holiday weekend. Jim Houston was 84.