Jim Formanek, a veteran CEO of Jim Hanson’s company, has died at age 50. –

Jim Formanek, who spent the past 15 years as director of consumer products at The Jim Henson Co., died Wednesday in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank from a cancer complication. I was 50 years old.

Formanek joined Henson in 2000 in a management role he called “Assistant to the President” and went on to lead consumer product development at Muppets House. He has worked on products, publications, collectors and apparel for brands such as The son of a scientist Sid, dinosaur train, fragile rock, dark glass s Maze.

“I make toys for a living and read comics. Basically, I’m Tom Hanks in the movie. Დდ“, – he said once.

“We are saddened by the passing of Jim Formanek,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of Hanson. “To our fans, Jimmy, a fan himself, shared his deep gratitude for the details and whims of toys, books, comics and fantasies over the past 15 years. And for our company, Jimmy’s legacy also includes his sense of humor, his loyal friendship and his inspiring commitment to being a good person and caring for those around him. We send our love and support to Jimmy’s family and many of his friends.”

James Patrick Formanek was born on March 28, 1972, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up in Webster, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Minnesota at Duluth before moving to Los Angeles.

He outlived his stepmother, Jean; brothers Devi and Dennis; son-in-law Tim; brothers Robin and Laura; And nieces Tracy, Brian, Daniel, Cassidy, Joey, Danny, Sarah and Joshua.

Celebrations honoring his life will be held in Hollywood and Webster this summer. The scholarship established in his memory at Webster High School receives donations.