J Michael Cline was a distinguished figure in the business world, celebrated for his entrepreneurial spirit and his instrumental role as a founding investor and former chairman of the online ticketing service, Fandango. Born in 1959, Cline’s contributions to the tech and business industries were profound, leaving a lasting legacy. His life, however, came to a tragic end at the age of 64.
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J Michael Cline’s Age and Family
At the time of his death, J Michael Cline was 64 years old. He was married to Pamela B. Cline since 1995, a testament to their long and enduring relationship. The couple shared a family of six children, living together in a magnificent $20.75 million, five-bedroom lakefront estate. This opulent residence underscored Cline’s significant success and wealth, providing a comfortable and luxurious environment for his family.
J. Michael Cline’s Children
J. Michael Cline and his wife Pamela were parents to six children. While specific details about their children remain private, this privacy reflects Cline’s tendency to shield his personal life from public scrutiny. Despite his high-profile career, he ensured that his family’s privacy was respected and maintained.
J. Michael Cline’s Career
J. Michael Cline’s career was marked by a series of notable achievements and contributions to the business world:
Fandango
One of Cline’s most significant accomplishments was his role in establishing Fandango in 2000. As a founding investor and former chairman, he was pivotal in negotiating crucial deals with major movie theater chains, including Regal and Cinemark. His vision was to make buying advance movie tickets simple and enjoyable for moviegoers. Cline’s efforts were instrumental in securing partnerships with seven major movie theater chains — Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Regal Cinemas, Carmike Cinemas, Cinemark Theaters, General Cinema Theaters, Edwards Theatres, and Century Theatres — thus laying the groundwork for Fandango’s success.
Cline’s enthusiasm for Fandango was evident in his statements: “A Fandango is fast and fun. Fandango is the perfect match to a service designed to make going to the movies easier and more enjoyable than ever before.” This vision helped Fandango distinguish itself in the industry, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Comcast in 2007.
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Accretive
Cline was also a managing partner at Accretive, a firm dedicated to funding start-up companies. His role at Accretive demonstrated his commitment to fostering new business ventures and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. Through Accretive, he founded companies such as Accumen, Insureon, and Accolade, showcasing his diverse interests and expertise in various industries.
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Juxtapose
In addition to his work with Accretive, Cline served as the executive chairman of Juxtapose, a company specializing in building consumer-focused businesses. Juxtapose helped launch successful companies including Orchard, Tend, Earned, Great Jones, and Nectar. Cline’s leadership at Juxtapose highlighted his ability to identify and nurture promising business ideas, turning them into successful enterprises.
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Other Ventures
Cline’s entrepreneurial spirit was further exemplified by his involvement in several other companies. He played a significant role in tech firms and venture capital firms, including the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates. His diverse portfolio of investments and business ventures underscored his broad expertise and his knack for identifying lucrative opportunities.
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Education and Philanthropy
J. Michael Cline’s educational background included a graduation from Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His education provided a solid foundation for his successful career in business and entrepreneurship. Beyond his professional achievements, Cline was also known for his philanthropic efforts. He was serving as chairman of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to environmental causes and his generous spirit. Cline’s philanthropy extended to significant donations to environmental organizations like the World Wildlife Fund.
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J. Michael Cline’s Net Worth
J. Michael Cline had an estimated net worth of $80.3 million. This substantial wealth was accumulated through his shares in multiple companies, including EXULT INC, Accretive Health, Inc., Accolade, Inc., Trepont Acquisition Corp I, NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES INC, and MANUGISTICS GROUP INC. His financial success was further evidenced by his purchase of a $20.75 million estate and the profitable sale of Fandango to Comcast. Cline’s net worth was a testament to his business acumen and his ability to create and grow successful enterprises.
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The Tragic Death of J. Michael Cline
On July 16, J Michael Cline’s life came to a tragic end when he fell from the 20th floor of The Kimberly Hotel in Manhattan. The New York Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 10:19 a.m., reporting an unconscious male with injuries consistent with a fall from a high elevation. Despite prompt EMS response, Cline was pronounced dead at 10:30 a.m. Reports indicated that he left a note, suggesting that his death was a suicide. The news of his death was first reported by The New York Post and later confirmed by the NYPD and other sources.
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Conclusion
J Michael Cline’s life was marked by significant achievements in the business world, a loving family, and substantial wealth. His sudden and tragic death has left a void in the industries he contributed to and among those who knew him. Cline’s legacy, however, lives on through the companies he founded and the impact he had on the business community. His contributions to the tech and business sectors, as well as his philanthropic efforts, will be remembered and appreciated for years to come.
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FAQs
1. Who was J. Michael Cline?
J. Michael Cline was a prominent entrepreneur and investor, best known as the founding investor and former chairman of the online ticketing service, Fandango. He was also involved in several other companies, including Accretive and Juxtapose.
2. What was J. Michael Cline’s net worth?
J. Michael Cline had an estimated net worth of $80.3 million. His wealth came from shares in multiple companies, such as EXULT INC, Accretive Health, Inc., Accolade, Inc., Trepont Acquisition Corp I, NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES INC, and MANUGISTICS GROUP INC.
3. How old was J. Michael Cline at the time of his death?
J. Michael Cline was 64 years old when he passed away.
4. What happened to J. Michael Cline?
J. Michael Cline tragically passed away on July 16 after falling from the 20th floor of The Kimberly Hotel in Manhattan. The incident was reported as a suicide, and he left a note.
5. Who was J. Michael Cline’s wife, and did they have children?
J. Michael Cline was married to Pamela B. Cline since 1995. Together, they had six children. The family resided in a luxurious estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
6. What were some of J. Michael Cline’s major business ventures?
Apart from Fandango, J. Michael Cline was involved in several significant ventures. He was a managing partner at Accretive, executive chairman of Juxtapose, and founded companies such as R1 RCM, Accolade, Insureon, Everspring, and Accumen. He also held roles in various tech firms and venture capital firms, including the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates.
7. What was J. Michael Cline’s educational background?
J. Michael Cline graduated from Cornell University and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. His education provided a strong foundation for his successful career in business and entrepreneurship.