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Former GameStop CEO Paul Raines Passes Away at 53

The GameStop CEO has passed away following a lengthy bout with cancer.

Kevin Tucker

March 7, 2018 12:30 PM

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J. Paul Raines, the former chief executive officer of video games retailer GameStop, passed away last Sunday following an ongoing battle with cancer.

Raines stepped down from the position of GameStop CEO back in November of last year following then-undisclosed medical issues. Reports indicated that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor as early as 2014, after which he underwent a surgical procedure.

Speaking in a statement, current GameStop CEO Mike Mauler lamented the loss of his coworker and spoke toward the effect Raines had on the company.

“We are profoundly sad to learn of the passing of our friend and former chief executive officer, J. Paul Raines,” Mauler said. “His spirit is woven into the fabric of our company and the entire GameStop family mourns this loss.

"Paul was a brilliant man and remarkable visionary, as well as a compassionate, caring and inspirational community leader who was beloved by many. Paul cared deeply about his work and his GameStop family, but his greatest love was for his family. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to them and all those whose lives and hearts Paul touched during his journey.”

Raines started his career at GameStop in 2008, holding the position of Chief Operating Officer. He stepped up to the CEO role in 2010, and during his tenure was able to help push GameStop into the general technology market and acquire popular online retailer ThinkGeek. He is survived by his wife and two children, and his legacy will continue on through the GameStop Gamer Fund, a charitable initiative that offers cash grants to company employees who have fallen on hard times.

Kevin Tucker

Guides Editor

Kevin Tucker is a core component of Shacknews' powerful guide development team. For questions, concerns, tips, or to share constructive criticism, he can be reached on Twitter @dukeofgnar or through e-mail at kevin.tucker@shacknews.com.