Legendary real estate veteran John Cushman III passed away Thursday. He was 82.
Cushman is the grandson of the founder of Cushman & Wakefield. At time of his passing he was chairman of global transactions at the brokerage.
“Cushman & Wakefield is deeply saddened by the loss of John C. Cushman, III, member of Cushman & Wakefield’s founding family, who passed away on May 4, 2023,” Brett White, executive chairman of Cushman & Wakefield, said in a statement. “John was an extraordinary businessperson and global citizen who significantly impacted Cushman & Wakefield, the commercial real estate industry and broader community. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and all who join us in mourning this profound loss. John will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.”
Cushman began his career, which spanned nearly six decades, with the company in New York City in 1963. Four years later, he moved to Los Angeles to open the brokerage’s first office in Southern California.
Cushman and his twin brother, Louis B. Cushman, started their own firm in 1978, known as Cushman Corporation Realty. At its peak, the company had 200 employees and offices in 11 cities nationwide.
In 2001, the company merged with Cushman & Wakefield. John Cushman became global chair of the board at the time.
In 2015, the company went on to merge with DTZ.
During his career, Cushman was on the board of 14 public companies. At the time of his death, Cushman served on Cushman & Wakefield’s global advisory board and as chairman and director of Zaca Mesa Winery in Santa Barbara.
Cushman is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Jeanine, four sons, 10 grandchildren and two brothers.
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, including countless friends and colleagues,” his family said in a statement. “John’s successes in commercial real estate were extremely notable, but his positive impact on so many careers are what mattered to him even more. John always valued the importance of giving back and was a staunch supporter of many philanthropic efforts. His contributions to so many organizations will contribute to his legacy.”
