Leading RI Journalist Jim Taricani Dies at 69

Leading RI Journalist Jim Taricani Dies at 69

Long-time television journalist Jim Taricani has died at 69 years of age.

His long-time colleague at WJAR-10 Dyana Koelsch wrote about Taricani in a statement for the family:

James Taricani, beloved husband, son, brother and friend passed peacefully at his home on June 21, 2019.

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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.

Taricani was married to Laurie White, head of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.