Rhode Islanders note the passing of Jim Taricani
PROVIDENCE — Rhode Islanders reacted Saturday to the death of newsman Jim Taricani.
"We are profoundly grateful for the blessing of having Jim in our lives," Dyana Koelsch, a former colleage at Channel 10 and now a public-relations professional, said Saturday in a statement on behalf of Laurie White, Taricani's wife and president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. "He was kind and sensitive, generous and creative. He was a strong and selfless friend and to Laurie — the love of his life — he was a devoted husband."
At the State House, as the Rhode Island House of Representatives convened for a rare Saturday session to consider the state budget, the chamber paused for a moment of silence in Taricani's honor, followed by the speaker reading a statement noting the newsman's passing.
"I’d like to open our House session today by asking for a moment of silence in memory of Jim Taricani, an investigative reporter who had an unparalleled reputation for honesty and integrity," Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello read. "Jim exposed corruption and was willing to go to jail to protect his sources.
"He had a 35 year career at Channel 10, with a two-year stint in between working as the communications director for Governor Almond.
"Even after a heart transplant and challenging health issues, he was an untiring reporter and leader of the I-Team at Channel 10 until his retirement in 2014.
"Jim passed away yesterday at the age of 69. On behalf of the House, our deepest sympathies go to his wife, Laurie White, the President of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, and his family at Channel 10 and the entire journalism community.
"Jim will be tremendously missed."
Gov. Gina M. Raimondo issued a statement Saturday afternoon.
“Jim Taricani was a Rhode Island icon," Raimonod said. "His passion for his work, his tenacity and his integrity over his more than three decades in journalism earned the respect of Rhode Islanders everywhere. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
The state's Congressional delegation also expressed condolences.
“I’m very sad to hear that Jim Taricani has passed away," Rep. David N. Cicilline said in a statement. "He was a talented, determined investigative reporter who always fought to get the story, and to get it right. He was a person of extraordinary integrity and a principled journalist. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s beloved wife Laurie and his entire family today.”
“Jim Taricani was an extraordinary investigative reporter dedicated to the truth and transparency," Rep. Jim Langevin said in a statement. "He leaves behind a remarkable legacy. I send my deepest condolences to his wife Laurie and their loved ones.”
“This is a great loss for Rhode Island and journalism," Sen. Jack Reed said in a statement. "Jim was truly one of the greats and there are not many like him. He was such a trusted voice because of his work ethic and integrity. He worked tirelessly to uncover the facts, report the truth, and inform the public. His legendary efforts to expose corruption strengthened our community, and his unwavering protection of confidential sources upheld the values of free speech and professional journalism.
Reed added, “We will miss Jim as a journalist and even more as a person. He was a true gentleman and we are grateful for his service to Rhode Island.”
Everyday Rhode Islanders praised Taricani in messages on The Providence Journal's Facebook post about his passing, including:
"He was one of the good ones. Something that is rare now. A respected reporter and journalist. A part of growing up in RI watching him." John Klockowski
"This guy was the real deal. When he came on, I watched intently. Old school reporting, needed in a state steeped and almost proud in a macabre way of a tradition of graft." Dan Roth
"What a brave and brilliant man. We will not see his like again." Donna Gallipeau
Full Taricani family statement:
Issued by Dyana Koelsch
"On behalf of his wife Laurie and Jim’s close friends, we are profoundly grateful for the blessing of having Jim in our lives.
"We are thankful for the skilled medical professionals and caregivers that have provided life -saving care for Jim — dating back to 1986 when he had his first heart attack at age 36 and through the many years. Jim inspired us with his spirit as he underwent a heart transplant and other medical challenges. We’d like to thank the teams at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and here in Rhode Island at Kent County Hospital and Dr. Hub Brennan, Jim’s wonderful personal physician, friend and musical collaborator.
"It’s hard to describe the vast impact Jim had on our lives. His award-winning investigative reporting personified excellence in journalism. Covering organized crime and government corruption with unwavering courage for nearly four decades, Jim was fair, thorough and compassionate. He was committed to the highest professional standards. Yet he remained humble and curious, accessible to everyone regardless of their position.
"Jim was a United States Air Force veteran who received a Presidential Letter of Commendation in 1968 for helping secure the transfer of James Earl Ray — the assassin of Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Jim was a rock and roller, an occasional cowboy boot wearing rebel, a lousy joke-teller, a fantastic chef and a generous writer who shared his personal story. But most importantly, he was a good man.
"A careful listener, Jim had a quiet wisdom that gave him the ability to see the essence of situations. He had an irrepressible sense of humor, especially when it came to laughing at himself. He was fearless with a stubborn persistence. He hated bullies and when he turned that steely stare — it could be downright scary. But he was gentle and loved his kitties. He was reflective and meditative. He had a passion and talent for music and writing songs, playing the drums, guitar and trumpet — even singing now and then.
"When I recently asked Jim what he thought of as his largest life accomplishments, he reflected for a minute and said first and foremost staying alive, and secondly living — fully living — his life.
"He knew he had been given a second chance with his heart transplant and he was determined to honor that new heart in his chest with a life of purpose. He never forgot that someone died so that he could have that second chance.
"He was kind and sensitive, generous and creative. He was a strong and selfless friend and to Laurie - the love of his life- he was a devoted husband.
"We celebrate his life. We were lucky to know him. He will be missed."