James L. Esmay James L. Esmay, the first dean of California Lutheran University's School of Business, died of cancer on Feb. 10 in Thousand Oaks. He was 79.

Esmay came to CLU in 1965. He was an assistant professor and chair of the social science division and economics department before leaving in 1968 to serve as a professor and administrator at Cal State Northridge.

In 1977 and 1978, he taught at the University of Swaziland and the University of Botswana as a Fulbright professor of economics.

He returned to CLU in 1979 as chair of the department of management and economics, and in 1989 he became the first dean of the School of Business.

His interest in international affairs prompted him to lead many trips to Africa, Australia and the Caribbean with students.

He also worked closely with the local community, offering programs to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.

"Jim had a pivotal role in helping a relatively small department become a comprehensive School of Business," said economics professor Jamshid Damooei, PhD. "He also strongly supported policies that encourage students to travel abroad to learn about the culture of other countries and view themselves as global citizens."

Esmay and his late wife, Anna Ronning Esmay, established two endowed scholarships at CLU, one for students studying abroad and the other for business students involved in campus activities.

Two of the couple's three children attended CLU.

Esmay stayed involved with CLU after he retired in 1991. The Thousand Oaks resident served as a convocator and supported the Community Leaders Association, the CLU Symphony and the Scandinavian Festival.

Esmay received an Honorary Alumnus Award in 2001.

Born in Great Falls, Mont., in 1929, he received bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics from Montana State College and a doctorate in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois.

He spent five years in the Navy and was stationed at Point Mugu at one point.

Esmay is survived by his companion, E. Marta Flanagan; son Jon Esmay of Walnut Creek; daughter Janice Canepa of Thousand Oaks; and son Joel Esmay of Oak Park.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sat., March 7 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks. In lieu of flowers, Esmay requested that donations be made to the Esmay Family Scholarship at CLU or Holy Trinity.