"There was nobody like him," Steir explains. "He pioneered the idea of working as a team where, historically, brokers worked as individuals. He was a true professional and visionary; respected, admired and loved by all those who had the pleasure of working with him."

Michael Colacino, Studley president, says in a prepared statement that "this is a tragic loss. Jacque spent 35 years with Studley and was truly part of the fabric of this company. He will be missed by all."

Ducharme joined Studley's Chicago office in 1972 and was named branch manager of the Chicago office four years later and, under his leadership, the office became the largest tenant representation firm in the Midwest. In 1996, he was appointed to the office of the chairman, where his vision helped the firm expand into additional markets and services. For example, Jacque was instrumental in establishing a national presence for Studley's project management services and was closely involved in the creation of the Global Property Alliance, an international consortium of independent real estate firms. In 2000, he was named president, which led him to relocate to the firm's New York City headquarters. As part of the management buy-out in 2001, Ducharme moved to San Francisco as vice-chairman of the western region to further develop the firm's business in Northern California. He also sat on Studley's board of directors.

In an e-mail to the company, Ducharme's wife Mary Prchal pointedly described the satisfaction that her husband received from his work saying, "Jacque loved life and life loved him right back."

Ducharme received a bachelor's in economics from the University of Nebraska and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his mother, Beatrice Ducharme.

Instant Insights /

Studley's Ducharme Dies After Sudden Illness

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