By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
Part-owner, President, and new face of the Pawtucket Red Sox, Jim Skeffington, has passed away suddenly overnight at the age of 73.
The Rhode Island attorney has been the driving force behind relocating the PawSox to Providence. He and other owners were in the midst of negotiating terms with the state to build a $85 million stadium along the Providence River. Skeffington had said he did not want his legacy to be one of letting the PawSox leave the state.
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“We’re going to make every effort to make sure this ballpark is something all Rhode Islanders can be proud of,” said Skeffington back in February.
An initial $120 million taxpayer funded proposal had been criticized by many in state and local government.
Rhode Island lawmakers from Senator Jack Reed to Mayor Jorge Elorza have released statements in response to Skeffington’s passing; House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello said in a statement that it is tragic Skeffington will never see his vision for the PawSox come to fruition.
“He was a true legend in the Rhode Island legal and business communities, having a hand in nearly every major project in our state for decades. Jim was a gentleman in every sense of the word and a real champion for all that is good about Rhode Island.”
Even Boston Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino issued his own statement of sympathies to the family saying, “I will miss a good and decent man who for many years has been a dear friend to me. I could always rely on his candor, camaraderie, and compassion. He may have been the most generous person I have ever known.”
Additionally, Mayor Don Grebien also reached out to the Skeffington family saying, “While the City of Pawtucket recognizes that we may have had a difference of opinion as it pertains to the Pawtucket Red Sox and continuing to play at McCoy Stadium, the City offers its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mr. Skeffington’s family during this difficult time.”
Skeffington died while exercising outside his home in Barrington, according to a statement from PawSox representative Pattie Doyle.
“Jim was an extremely loyal and charitable man who, in his all too brief time with the PawSox, relished his new role as club president. He enjoyed learning all he could about the PawSox operation and meeting fans, staff, and players,” said Doyle.
A statement was issued on behalf of the Skeffington family by son Jim Skeffington Jr. saying the Providence attorney was a “legend in the legal community.”
“Yet, despite the demands of a busy law practice, he made the time to serve on the Boards of some of Rhode Island’s most important educational and charitable institutions. And, he made it part of his life to reach out to individuals enduring difficult times in everyday life. He quietly came to the aid of many, asking nothing in return.”
