James Possehl, the founder of Republic Financial Corporation and a member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Hall of Fame, passed away last week. He was 78 years old.

Possehl founded Republic Financial in 1971 after beginning his career in the equipment finance industry at US Leasing in 1969. He would lead Republic Financial for more than 35 years before retiring in 2007. He also served as the chair of the ELFA from 1997 to 1998, with the organization inducting him into its hall of fame as part of its first class in 2014.

Possehl is survived by his wife, Karen, his three children (Jeffrey T. Possehl, Robert S. Possehl and Cheryl P. Lundberg) and their spouses, as well as 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Possehl’s full obituary and information on services to celebrate his life are available here.