Celtics legend Jim Loscutoff dies at age 85

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Jim Loscutoff -- whose name, "Loscy", hangs in the TD Garden rafters next to the retired numbers of other Celtics greats -- died Monday at Lahey Clinic in Burlington from complications of pneumonia with Parkinson's Disease. He was 85.

Loscutoff -- known as "Jungle Jim" during his playing days -- was a member of the first seven Celtic championship teams. He joined the Celtics in 1955 as a first-round pick, the third overall choice, out of the University of Oregon. Known for his tough, physical play, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound forward averaged 6.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during his nine-year career.

He wore the number 18, which was later worn by (and retired in honor of) Dave Cowens. But on April 14, 1973, Loscutoff became the first and only player to have his name retired by the Celtics, as 'Loscy' was added to the banner of retired numbers. The team said Loscutoff was honored for "his leadership and all-around excellent play." 

According to the Celtics: "Upon the conclusion of his playing days in 1964, Jim and his wife, artist Lynn Loscutoff, founded Camp Evergreen, a children’s day camp (in Andover) where a wide range of programs are carried out to provide an enriching camping experience." The camp today is run by the Loscutoffs' son, Jim, and his wife, Debby.

Loscutoff was a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, but eventually settled in Andover and Naples, Fla.  He is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

"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," the team said in a statement released Tuesday, adding: "We keep his wife Lynn, daughters Holly and Carol, son Jim, Jr. and his entire family in our thoughts at this time."

 

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