Mortell

James (Jim) William Mortell, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on January 22,2026. Jim was born on August 17, 1937, in Clinton, Iowa, to Charles Mortell and Patricia Anspach. He was raised with strong Midwestern values that emphasized hard work, responsibility, and devotion to family—principles that guided him throughout his life. Jim was inducted into NAC in its second class of inductees in 2001 for major roles he played in accomplishing significant improvements in construction industry productivity through the Business Roundtable and the Construction Industry Institute (CII). He was an Emeritus member of NAC for many years.

Jim was nominated for membership by NAC Charter members Joe Haegelin, Jim Braus and Gary Jones.  As Joe Haegelin stated in his nomination “Jim Mortell is truly a leader in implementing cost effective productivity improvements in union shop construction through effective labor relations.” Jim Braus added “His leadership within CII was an important factor in making CII an effective force for change within the industry, especially the union contraction community.

Jim retired as a senior vice president and a member of the board of Cherne Contracting Inc. Under Jim’s leadership, Cherne Construction developed many new and innovative programs and techniques that allowed it to be competitive as a union contractor in a non-union as well as a union environment. He joined Cherne in 1972 and served as vice president from 1974 to 1988, when he took on his senior vice president position.

He was active in the Construction Industry Institute (CII) when Cherne became a CII member in the late 1980s until his retirement.

Among the innovative methods at Cherne was a unique task assignment and material control systems that provided close monitoring and control of the work. Cherne also is the first contractor in the nation to form a project productivity task force involving contractor, owner, and labor. The company was the first in California to implement a substance abuse program as part of their labor agreement.

Jim, a master fisherman, golfer and a devoted Bears fan, was the very definition of the American dream. He worked his way from nothing to achieve the title of Senior Vice President of Cherne Contracting, creating thousands of jobs and managing tens of millions of man hours. He directly contributed to the wealth and success of so many. Jim played a major role in significant improvements in construction industry productivity through his work with the Business Roundtable. His drive, work ethic, and commitment to excellence were second to none. Even when he wasn't working, he was always tinkering on something.

Jim was a devoted father who took great pride in his family. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Karen Whisler, sons, Michael Mortell (Wife Anne), Patrick Mortell (Wife Kim), and Philip Mortell; his daughters, Lisa Kaelin (Husband Joe) and Susan Steube (Husband Fred), Jim Mortell (Wife Pam); and his stepsons, Casey (Erin) Whisler and Ryan Whisler.

He is also survived by 14 grandchildren along with 7 great-grandchildren, his dog Rocky and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.  Jim will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the many people who crossed his path.

― Edd Gibson, 2026