James H. Warsaw, for whom the eponymous Sports Marketing Center at the University was named, died Wednesday at age 61.
He had Parkinson’s disease for most of his life.
Warsaw owned Sports Specialties Corporation with his brother Robert. Their father founded the company, which is the world’s largest sports headwear company. He founded the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center in the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business in 1993.
He also served on the UO Foundation board.
University President Dave Frohnmayer said in a statement, “Jim had an irrepressible energy and a spirit that made you believe anything was possible. We are indebted to Jim for his strong commitment to Oregon. Our hearts go out to the entire Warsaw family at this very difficult time. The entire University of Oregon community will very much miss its good friend Jim Warsaw.”
Warsaw is survived by his wife, Ellyne, and sons Bryan, Zak and Kyle. The memorial service will be held in Newport Beach, Calif., but the College of Business plans to hold a service later in spring.
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