Sun-Times Boss Jim Tyree Dead at 53

Jim Tyree, the businessman and CEO of Mesirow Financial who led a team of investors that purchased the Chicago Sun-Times, passed away Wednesday after a five month battle with stomach cancer.

He was 53.

The president and COO of Mesirow Financial, Richard Price, said Tyree passed with his family nearby.

Price's statement:

Mayor Richard Daley called Tyree a "wonderful Chicagoan and a dutiful civic leader who gave liberally of his time to improve the lives of others."

"As Chairman of the Board and former student of the Chicago City Colleges, he was a mentor to the students and a strong example of what can happen through hard work and perseverance," Daley said in a statement.

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel expressed similar sentiments.

"His service as Board Chairman of City Colleges, his work with non-profit organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and his investment in the Sun-Times made him a pillar of our city's civic life. He and I worked together on many important initiatives like combating diabetes and supporting stem cell research. He will be missed," said Emanuel.

Tyree grew up in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood.  He earned his bachelor's and MBA degrees from Illinois State University, according to his biography on Mesirow Finacial's website.

With his partners, Tyree became the Chicago Sun-Times' fourth owners when they purchased it and more than 50 suburban publications in October 2009.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe that this organization can maintain a strong business model and be profitable," he said at the time.

A year later, personal tragedy struck when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Eve, a daughter, Jessica, and twin sons, Matthew and Joseph.

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