Celtics Legend Jim Loscutoff Passes Away At 85
BOSTON (CBS) -- Jim Loscutoff, a seven-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, passed away Tuesday at the age of 85 due to complications from pneumonia with Parkinsons.
The third overall pick by the Celtics in 1955, "Jungle Jim" played all nine seasons of his NBA career with Boston. The forward was known more for his defense, and averaged 6.2 points and 2.9 rebounds playing for Red Auerbach and alongside Bill Russell.
The Celtics released the following statement Wednesday regarding his passing:
The entire Boston Celtics organization and our ownership group are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Loscutoff, a Celtics Legend and seven-time NBA champion. Affectionately nicknamed "Loscy" and "Jungle Jim," Loscutoff passed away on December 1 at the age of 85.
Upon the conclusion of his playing days in 1964, Jim and his wife, artist Lynn Loscutoff, founded Camp Evergreen, a children's day camp where a wide range of programs are carried out to provide an enriching camping experience. Loscutoff's nickname of "Loscy" was hoisted to the Boston Garden rafters on April 14, 1973 for his leadership and all-around excellent play. He is the only Celtics player to have his name, and not uniform number, retired.
We keep his wife Lynn, daughters Holly and Carol, son Jim, Jr. and his entire family in our thoughts at this time.
His nickname, "Loscy," was retired by the team because he asked the team not to retire his No. 18 so other players could wear it. That number was later retired for Hall of Famer Dave Cowens.