The federally recognized Indian Tribe, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, mourns the loss of its General Counsel, Jim Shore, who passed away recently.
Seminole Tribe remembers its General Counsel
The Tribe confirmed the passing of its General Counsel, who died on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the age of 80.
According to a press release by the Seminole Tribe, Jim Shore suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
While he was rushed to the Cleveland Clinic Hospital located in Weston, he died on Saturday.
Marcellus Osceola Jr., the Seminole Tribe's Chairman, spoke about the former General Counsel.
"A man of few words, but with a big heart and exceptional vision, Jim Shore worked tirelessly to ensure a prosperous future for the members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida," Osceola Jr. explained.
Finally, the Seminole Tribe's Chairman said: "We owe him a huge debt of gratitude for everything he accomplished on the Tribe's behalf."
Jim Shore was responsible for hiring Seminole Gaming's CEO, Jim Allen.
Commenting, Allen said: "Mr. Shore was by far the most humble individual that I've ever worked for in my career."
"He would never take credit for all of the amazing things that have occurred under not just his leadership, but his wisdom," Seminole Gaming's CEO said in conclusion.
Jim Shore played a major role for the Seminole Tribe over several decades
Born on February 16, 1945, in the family of Frank and Lottie Shore, Jim Shore played an instrumental role in the Tribe's success for more than 40 years.
He had two brothers, as well as four sisters and early in his life he used to live with his family in the woods in traditional Seminole chickees, while raising cattle.
Jim Shore graduated Okeechobee High School in 1963, continued his education at North Florida Junior College and in 1977, he obtained a bachelor's degree in history from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.
In 1980, he also graduated from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg.
in 1981, Jim Shore became deputy general counsel of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The next year, he assumed the role of General Counsel and oversaw the Tribe's legal matters until his recent passing.
Throughout his extensive career, Jim Shore played a major role in the development of Indian Gaming and the growth of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Under his guidance, in 1979, the venue now known as the Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood introduced "Unlimited Bingo."
This milestone achievement paved the way for the expansion of Indian gaming by other Tribes across the country.
Currently, Indian Gaming operations deliver half of the total gaming revenue across the United States.
