James Edward (Jim) Petzing ‘55
The Cornell Hotel Society mourns the passing of Jim Petzing ’55 on January 20, 2025. Jim was a giant in the private club management industry having led operations at some of the most prestigious clubs in the U.S.
After graduating from The Hotel School in 1955, Jim held multiple positions in the food-service industry. Eventually, this experience led him to the Atlanta Athletic Club in 1970 where he served as Secretary and General Manager from 1970 to 1990. From Atlanta, Jim moved to Washington, DC to manage The Capitol Hill Club from 1990 to 1998.
Jim was an active member, and award recipient, from the leading Foodservice and Club trade associations.
- Georgia International Foodservice Executives (vice president, 1972, president, 1973)
- Georgia chapter Club Managers Association of America (vice president, 1978, president, 1979, secretary, 1980)
- Club Managers Association of America (director 1981-1983, president 1986)
- Confrerie des Chaine de Rotisseurs (charge de mission honoraire since 1986)
- Confrerie des Vigneron de St. Vincent Mãcon (grand chancelier since 1987)
Jim was also a dedicated Hotelie. In 1985 he joined the Executive Board of CHS and eventually rose to serve as Global President in 1991.
A celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, on March 8, 2025 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please make any contributions in his name to First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd, Vero Beach. FL 32960.
Below is a link to an obituary from the TCPalm website:
https://www.tcpalm.com/obituaries/psar1104568
(Jim as Atlanta Athletic Club manager in 1976)
