James Joseph Nagy

July 15, 1930 – May 3, 2020

Jim Nagy, 89, of Orlando FL passed away on May 3rd as a result of complications from a recent surgery. Jim was a true gentleman in the very best sense of the word. Knowledgeable, erudite, caring and successful. He led by example and inspired numerous people to achieve what many thought were impossible goals. He was responsible for several record setting or one-of-a-kind projects. He also had a deep Catholic faith, that influenced his life in many ways.

Jim was born and raised in Detroit MI. He went on to attend the University of Notre Dame where he attained a Degree in Architecture followed by a Masters in Architecture from the University of Michigan. After graduating, Jim entered the Army primarily serving in Germany.

Jim then began a long and successful career in the design and construction industry. He spent the majority of his professional life with the Tishman Construction Company.

In 1979, Tishman contracted to be the construction manager for Disney’s EPCOT Center Theme Park in Orlando. Jim was assigned as Tishman’s representative to the Disney design team, WED (now Walt Disney Imagineering). Disney took the unprecedented step of naming Jim, a non-Disney employee (on loan from Tishman) as the Project Director for the EPCOT Center development. In that assignment Jim managed the completion of concept and design work for the massive project and oversaw the construction of the 305-acre complex. He oversaw the work of over a thousand Disney employees, thousands of on-site construction workers, and hundreds and hundreds of vendors and suppliers. Jim managed this team through the successful opening of the park on October 1, 1982.

After completing his role on EPCOT Center, Jim returned to Tishman on a full-time basis as the President of Tishman’s Orlando office. In this role he led the development and construction of the award-winning Swan and Dolphin Hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort.

In 1993, Jim was recruited by Universal Studios to be their Project Executive on the Universal Orlando Resort expansion. He led the process to work with local officials and create a masterplan that was responsive to community needs while allowing the flexibility to create a world-class resort. He assembled the team that designed and built Universal’s Islands of Adventure Theme Park, CityWalk Orlando, 21,000 spaces of structured parking, a dedicated interchange with Interstate 4, and all the infrastructure and roadways to support this world-class resort. Jim also played a key role in creating a partnership with Loews Hotels for 3 hotels at the resort. This included managing the design and construction of the Portofino and Hard Rock Hotels. The immensity of this responsibility is best evidenced by their value of over $2 billion. All elements of the resort opened on schedule.

After leaving Universal, Jim retired but continued to be active in the industry. He consulted on a number of developments around the world. Jim also contributed to the community as a member of the Diocese of Orlando’s building committee. In this role, he was integral to development of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. This unique religious facility was created to serve the needs of the millions of Catholics who visit the Disney World resort.

Jim was an avid golfer and a member of the Bay Hill Country Club for over 35 years where he was fondly known as “The Commissioner”.

Jim is survived by the most important person in his life, his wife of 53 years, Nancy. He also left a lasting impact on hundreds of design and construction professionals whom he touched during his career. Jim will be remembered as a mentor, friend, and guide who assisted many of his associates to grow, succeed, and pay forward the kindness and leadership he provided them. Due to the coronavirus, a celebration of Jim’s life will be held later this summer.