Adding Play Time

Jim deYong, the “d” in dGWB, is heading into semi-retirement next week at the tender age of 45. The executive vice president of the award-winning Irvine ad agency will take on a role akin to permanent consultant and a tongue-in-cheek title of chairman emeritus.

deYong said he plans to travel to Central America, build a home in Dana Point, learn to golf and chip away at a list of about 50 things he’s always wanted to do. A self-described workaholic, deYong has built three ad agencies in Orange County since 1976. He has been weaning himself from his role in new business development for about two years, he said, and he is proud to be leaving the agency on a high note, competing for business with such international heavyweights as Ketchum Advertising and Backer Spielvogel Bates.

“It’s a lot more fun batting in the big leagues,” said the San Juan Capistrano resident. “I’ll miss it, but I don’t see myself coming back.”