James Loscutoff Jr.


James Loscutoff Jr., of Andover, Mass and Naples, Florida passed away December 1, 2015 at Lahey Clinic of complications from Pneumonia with Parkinson’s. He was 85 years Old. Jim was also known as “Jungle Jim” and “Loscy”, of Boston Celtics fame as well as “ Big Jim” and “Coach”. Born February 4th 1930 to James and Nellie Loscutoff, in San Francisco California. He attended Palo Alto High school, and after graduating went on to Sacramento Jr. College. Jim was always an avid athlete. He was recruited by the University of Oregon where he became a west coast basketball record holder, some records he still holds to this day, and he was later chosen a member of the PAC ten. He served in the Army at Fort Ord, California, and continued to play as a star basketball player for the armed services He then returned to the University of Oregon to complete his degree. At this time he met and married Evelyn ( Lynn) Leon of Redwood City, California. He caught the eye of Red Auerbach and was chosen as first draft pick for the Boston Celtics in 1956. He went on to play for 9 years during the Celtics Dynasty as “The Enforcer” and helped to carry them to 7 world championships. His nickname “ Loscy” still hangson a banner in the rafters of the Boston Garden today. He retired in 1964 from the Boston Celtics, to become professor of physical education at Boston State College and head coach of their basketball team, inspiring future athletes. At that time, he and his wife, artist, Lynn moved to Andover Massachusetts where they founded Camp Evergreen in 1964, a children’s day camp. Children from the area continue to thrive from the Camp Evergreen beneficial camping experience. The camp continues today under the direction of their son “ Little” Jim with his wife Debby Loscutoff.

In 1990, Lynn and Jim chose to retire to Naples Florida where they spend their winters but continue to spend summers in Massachusetts.

Jim was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend. Remembered as an exceptional athlete, and mentor. He is survived by his wife Lynn, His three children “Little” Jim of Andover, Mass, Holly Randall of Rockport, Mass, Carol Hoyt of Malibu, CA. He is also survived by 7 Grand children, Sarah Loscutoff, James Randall, Allison Petit, Rachel Gutierez, Jessica Randall, Emma Hoyt and Dylan Hoyt, two Step grand Children Wenonah Schwedler, Nathan Throop and four great grandchildren Marcos Dymond Throop, Alexander Diamond Throop, Vanessa Gutierez and Ian Gutierez. Also surviving are his niece Laura Loscutoff Finch of Soquel, California and nephew Jerry Loscutoff of Redwood City, California. A Memorial Service Is Planned for December 21, Monday at 11:00 at South Church in Andover at 41 Central Street, Andover, MA. The family requests any remembrances’ be sent to the Parkinson Association in Naples, Florida. 1048 Goodlette Rd. #201, Naples, Fl 34102    

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6 Condolences

  1. Seven-time NBA champ, ex-Celtics forward Jim Loscutoff dies at 85Geoponet Sports | Geoponet Sports on December 2, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    […] NBA champion Jim Loscutoff has passed away at the age of 85 from complications from pneumonia with […]



  2. Your Morning Dump… Where Brad is nailing down the rotation | Red's Army - The Voice of Boston Celtics Fans on December 2, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    […] NBA champion Jim Loscutoff has passed away at the age of 85 from complications from pneumonia with […]



  3. craig lindgren on December 3, 2015 at 5:37 am

    thank you coach loscutoff for helping me
    along the way. i have known you since i
    was seventeen years old as a basketball
    player at north reading , mass. high
    school in 1966. i now had my angel on
    earth and you remained my angel all
    these years . it was an honor to be one
    of your players at boston state college
    1967 to 1970. i love you always. my
    very deepest sympathy to mrs. loscutoff
    and all the loscutoff family. you are in
    my prayers now and always. so as i lay
    me down to sleep tonight i hold you
    close in prayer with all my heart. bye for
    now 18. we’ll meet again. love craig m.
    lindgren.



  4. JoAnne Lee-Nieves on December 4, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    To the family of Coach Loscutoff
    Remembering him as the Basketball Coach at Boston State while I was a cheerleader. The end of the season parties in Andover the bowling classes,playong badminton with him in the Gym. I will always remember his kindness.
    His joy can be found in our laughter and his courage in our hearts, where it resonates,making us strong
    God Bless you from Joanee Lee Nieves
    Boston State Class of 1975



  5. Jim Corradino on December 21, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    As a Young Man Jim was so much fun to be around our Family loved him and his family. Many good memories.
    He will be missed



  6. Jackie Wolmer on October 20, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    Lynn, Holly, Jimmy….I am so sad to hear about Jim. I know how much your lives have changed. You would be surprised how often I think of you all. My prayers for you all.



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