Jim Avila, Veteran ABC News Correspondent, Dies at 69

Jim Avila, Veteran ABC News Correspondent, Dies at 69

Jim Avila, an award-winning longtime correspondent for ABC News, died this week at 69 after a prolonged illness, the network announced Thursday.

Across a decades-long career with ABC, Avila reported for marquee programs including 20/20 and World News Tonight, becoming a familiar face to national audiences. He covered many of the nation’s biggest stories and served as ABC's White House correspondent during President Barack Obama’s second term.

Avila retired from ABC in 2021 but continued to contribute to journalism through opinion writing and local reporting, bringing his experience and deep curiosity to the stories that mattered most to his community and viewers.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his family,” ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic wrote to staff, adding, “and we thank him for his many contributions and unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth.”

Colleagues and viewers remembered Avila for his professionalism, clarity and commitment to reporting. Details about memorial services have not been released.