EDITORIAL

A lasting legacy, and a passion for RI

Posted 5/19/15

Rhode Islanders woke up to some sad and unexpected news Monday.

Jim Skeffington, a highly influential local figure who recently became co-owner and president of the Pawtucket Red Sox, died Sunday …

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EDITORIAL

A lasting legacy, and a passion for RI

Posted

Rhode Islanders woke up to some sad and unexpected news Monday.

Jim Skeffington, a highly influential local figure who recently became co-owner and president of the Pawtucket Red Sox, died Sunday at age 73. In recent months, he has been highly visible as the public face of the team’s push for a new ballpark in downtown Providence.

Skeffington, an attorney and longtime insider in local politics and business, leaves a legacy that includes key roles in many high-profile projects, such as the Providence Place Mall, the Rhode Island Convention Center, the GTECH building and Garage C at T.F. Green Airport.

Many of those projects involved some form of public financing, and Skeffington has frequently been the subject of criticism and controversy. His latest pursuit, the planned PawSox stadium along the capital city’s waterfront, has drawn spirited opposition from many corners, given the lingering angst over the 38 Studios debacle, the owners’ request for tens of millions in taxpayer funding and the sentimental attachment of many to the team’s current home, McCoy Stadium.

On Monday, as word of Skeffington’s passing spread, all of that was put aside as local leaders remembered a man whose love for his home state was as undeniable as the lasting imprint he leaves behind.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jim Skeffington,” U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said in a statement. “Jim and I worked together at Edwards & Angell in the 1980s. He was a brilliant lawyer and a genuine, kind person. Jim was passionate about Rhode Island and dedicated to trying to make our state a better place. His civic-minded spirit will be missed by all who knew him and whose lives he touched.”

House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello called Skeffington 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,” the speaker continued. “It is tragic that he did not live long enough to see his vision for the Pawtucket Red Sox come to fruition, but he left a legacy that will live on for generations to come. He loved Rhode Island, and I will miss my friend.”

“Jim was a Providence native who reached the highest levels of professional accomplishment but never lost touch with his community,” Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said. “He cared deeply about Providence and was one of our city’s leading business and civic champions. We will always remember his commitment and contributions to our community.”

Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien, who has been at odds with Skeffington and the rest of the PawSox owners over the team’s future, offered his “sincere and heartfelt condolences” to Skeffington’s family on behalf of the community.

“Mr. Skeffington’s passing is a reminder to us all how precious and fragile life can be,” he said.

It is unclear how Skeffington’s sudden passing will impact the PawSox stadium talks. While the situation has been murky since the rejection of the team’s initial proposal, it has seemed increasingly clear an agreement is needed soon to avoid the PawSox leaving Rhode Island.

Perhaps the coming days of mourning and reflection will result in a new resolve to find an effective compromise. Throughout his life and career, Skeffington was driven to make a difference. He was truly a Rhode Islander, one deeply invested in the state and its future. However one feels about his policy stances and projects, his accomplishments, passion and commitment are to be admired.

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