Jim Shank, a longtime WWE employee, has tragically passed away at the age of 60. He died on Friday, February 6, 2026, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Shank had been part of WWE since 1999, most recently serving as the Technical Operations Manager. In November, a GoFundMe campaign raised over $220,000 to help cover his medical costs, with many current and former WWE personnel contributing.
During the latest episode of Raw, a tribute graphic honored Shank with the message: “In loving memory of Jim Shank, January 28, 1966 to February 6, 2026.” On January 29, Leisa Deutsch posted an update on the GoFundMe page expressing gratitude for the support they received. She reflected on Jim’s 60th birthday, noting how uncertain it was if he would reach this milestone. Thanks to donations, prayers, and encouragement, Shank completed his fourth round of treatment. Despite ongoing challenges like breathlessness and fatigue, he remained uplifted by the messages and video tributes from fans and friends. Leisa emphasized that the financial help, along with emotional support through calls and texts, was vital to Jim’s strength throughout his treatment.
They acknowledged there’s still a difficult road ahead but took time to celebrate Jim’s resilience and the milestone of his birthday. Leisa also apologized for infrequent updates but assured donors that all contributions were being used strictly for Jim’s treatment and needs. The family extends their deepest thanks for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Our condolences go out to Jim Shank’s family, friends, and everyone impacted by his passing.
Fan Take: Jim Shank’s passing highlights the often unseen but crucial roles behind the scenes in WWE that keep the spectacle running smoothly. For fans, this loss is a reminder of the tight-knit community within WWE and underscores the importance of supporting those who work tirelessly to make the sport what it is today.
