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Statement from the Boston Red Sox regarding the passing of Pawtucket Red Sox President Jim Skeffington

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Red Sox today responded to the news of the sudden passing yesterday of Pawtucket Red Sox President Jim Skeffington. The club extends its deepest sympathies to his former wife, Barbara; their two children, Jim Jr. and Erinn; their seven grandchildren; and the entire Skeffington family. 

"All of us with the Boston Red Sox and the Pawtucket Red Sox have suffered an enormous loss, both personally and professionally," said Larry Lucchino, President/CEO of the Boston Red Sox and Chairman of the Pawtucket Red Sox. "We have lost a close and loyal friend, a great business partner, and a veritable Rhode Island institution.

"Skeff was passionately devoted to his home state, a land he loved with all his heart. He loved virtually every sport he encountered, especially baseball, and he seemed to attend every sporting event he could. He was deeply committed to the PawSox and to ensuring a bright future for the franchise in Rhode Island. We will miss his spirit, his optimism, and his joviality. We will miss his knowledge, his intellect, and his wisdom. 

"On a personal level, 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; there was never a check he wouldn't grab; there was never a worthy charitable cause he would not support.  

"His devotion to his family, his steadfast faith, and the loyalty he displayed to his friends set an example for all of us. He spent the last days of his life at his grandson's First Communion, and later, grieving with the family of his childhood friend who passed away just days earlier.   

"Skeff had a passion for baseball and a passion for life. I take some measure of comfort that he spent the last several months doing what he loved.

"There's an expression: 'The great ones remind you of no one else.' My friend Skeff reminds me of no one else. We have all lost a good man and I have lost a much-loved friend."

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