After a lengthy illness Jim Cooluris passed peacefully on July 2 at age 76 in Oxnard where he was born and lived most of his life. 
Jim was a gifted artist whose principal medium was photography. After attending Brooks Institute of Photography, underwater photography became his primary focus. He wrote articles accompanying his photographs that were published in many magazines. Jim’s photographs were also published in a series of books by Jacques Cousteau, including "Jacques Cousteau, The Ocean World." His endeavors expanded into underwater film and video footage, mainly independent film productions shot in the Caribbean, Mexico and throughout the Channel Islands. His film and video footage was featured in documentary films made for The Discovery Channel. 

As he grew older, his time on or under the sea became limited and his enchantment with topside photography grew. He made numerous trips to the eastern Sierra Nevada, California’s deserts and coastal areas ranging from Baja California to British Columbia and Alaska where he embraced his passion for nature photography and the need for conservation. He is especially remembered for sharing his expertise with others as a teacher.
But above all, Jim was a devoted a father, family member and a friend of many. When seeing Jim, one would be met with his broad smile, mischievous eyes and infectious sense of humor. He left a large number of friends and is survived by his son Jason Cooluris, his brother John G. Cooluris and many family members. He was preceded in death last August by his sister Carol Ann Milligan and this May by his niece Sasha Grace Cooluris Burrows for whom his family also mourns.

Jim’s interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests a contribution to The Nature Conservancy.