R.I.P. Jimmy Hewitt, Orlando Magic co-founder dies at 79

[Howard Mass]

Orlando Magic Co-Founder and Hall of Famer Jimmy Hewitt passed away early this morning at the age of 79.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/mike-bianchi-commentary/os-sp-jimmy-hewitt-magic-founder-obituary-20201129-seep5er2k5e3xlm4zom7l7zeum-story.html

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For those of you who are younger and/or newer fans of The Orlando Magic, it was Jimmy Hewitt who sold Pat Williams that Orlando would be the best place for an NBA Expansion Team back in the 80's.

We would all not be on this Forum and Central Florida would not be what it is today without Jimmy Hewitt.

The Orlando Magic helped me get through rough times in my younger days and led me to become a Basketball Fan. It's also what I do for a career today and am forever grateful.

Jimmy Hewitt changed our lives and Central Florida for the better.

Thank you for everything!

R.I.P. Jimmy Hewitt.

[basketballRob]

RIP. Thanks for helping us get a team.

Noticed Pat Williams is trying to bring baseball now. I haven't been a baseball fan but if they came here I probably wouldn't miss a game. If you want baseball show your support.



https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/mike-bianchi-commentary/os-sp-pro-baseball-orlando-1121-20191120-rx2diiypazhm3crcfv2znlvg4a-story.html?outputType=amp



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[Nyce_1]

RIP and thank you for being the foundation of the existence of my favorite sports team, and a team my sons are now learning to love.

[MasterGMer]

Thank you for this dream for Orlando Citizens. Magic means a lot more than just a NBA team. It is the spirit and hope for all people in Central Florida. So we mourn and RIP Jimmy Hewitt!

[SD2042]

It's cool to know some history into the guy who was behind the idea of what has become the Orlando Magic today. All it does it takes an small idea to create a big ripple into the future and reap the rewards.

RIP and thank you for your contribution Jimmy Hewitt.

[MagicFan4Lyfe]

RIP.

I remember reading about Hewitt as a 6th grader. Thanks for bringing the team to Orlando and making my childhood special

[Blue_and_Whte]

RIP Jimmy Hewitt. Lots of memories from those early years of Magic basketball. 2020 just keeps getting worse.

[RickB-Orlando]

Sorry to hear this, without him the Magic would have wound up in Minneapolis. Oddly enough, I found my copy of Pat Williams book "Making Magic" while cleaning out the garage last weekend - his recounting of the expansion process - and Jim Hewitt played a prominent role.

Thanks for that commitment Jimmy. Rest in Peace.