New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- Jim Avila, a former ABC News senior correspondent known for his investigative journalism, passed away on 12 November at the age of 69 after a battle with prolonged illness. ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic announced Jim's passing in an email to staff.

Jim Avila specialized in politics, justice, law and consumer investigations. Apart from covering the White House during President Barack Obama's second term, Jim Avila was one of ABC's "20/20" correspondents in Los Angeles. He had received the prestigious Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association for his coverage of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.

"Jim was a gifted journalist and a generous colleague," the ABC News ...