Jim Avila passed away at the age of 70 after a long illness

Jim Avila passed away at the age of 70 in November 2025 after a prolonged illness. According to the Los Angeles Times, he experienced complications related to a kidney transplant, as well as a fall, which ultimately led to him being placed in hospice for six weeks. He died at home in San Diego.

There is no reliable, widely circulated public source confirming the name of his wife or details of his marriage at the time of his death. It is concerning that one Facebook post (likely unreliable) lists a «31-year-old wife, Elizabeth Barrera-Avila», - but this is not confirmed by major news sources.

Avila is survived by three children: James, Janette, and Evan.

His brother, journalist Jay Avila, noted that the kidney transplant Jim received allowed him to witness the wedding of one of his children and the birth of two grandchildren