Joining the family business
Jim Easton joined the family business in 1960. Following Doug’s death in 1972 he took leadership; some histories date that succession to 1973. The archery company’s history should remain distinct from later divested team-sports businesses.
Company leadership and Hoyt
The family’s archery business continued developing equipment, and Easton acquired Hoyt in 1983. That transaction links two important manufacturer stories without making their founders or earlier histories interchangeable.
World Archery and the Olympics
Easton served as World Archery president from 1989 to 2005. His international work included federation development and changes to competition presentation. He also served the International Olympic Committee, including a vice-presidential term from 2002 to 2006.
Giving back
His support extended to archery facilities, development programs and UCLA. He entered the Archery Hall of Fame in 1997. World Archery’s memorial records his death on December 4, 2023, at age 88.
SOURCE NOTES
BHP’s own summary, informed by the cited sources and owner-supplied research. Disputed dates and invention claims are kept separate from established milestones.