PARSIPPANY, N.J.--Jim Champion, a 23-year veteran of the Sàfilo sales division died on June 3. He was 70, according to an announcement from the company.

Champion began his career in the optical industry in the early 1970s working for Starline Optical (later purchased by Sàfilo) in Mississippi and Louisiana. He re-joined Sàfilo in 1985, and worked as a sales representative for the company covering the Houston area of Texas. Champion was known for his dedication to the optical industry and this past year he achieved status in the prestigious Sàfilo USA’s Presidents Club, according to Sàfilo.

“Jim Champion was a very special man and an outstanding sales representative for Sàfilo USA. We are very sad at the news of his passing and we are all honored to have known and worked with Jim,” said Bill Harrison, vice president of optical sales for Sàfilo USA.

“We have had a tremendous outpouring of sympathy from his loyal customers which proves just how special Jim was. From his counterparts in the other divisions, the sales management team he reported to, his support staff at the Sàfilo USA headquarters, and most importantly, his customers.”

He is survived by his wife Quin Mao, and his children, Jean Marie and Xia Lui and his two sisters, Ruth Grimm and Ann Ford. A memorial service was held on June 7 at Settegast-Kopf Company at Sugar Creek, in Sugar Land, Texas.