Jack Shields, Father-Manager of UFC’s Jake Shields, Dead at 67

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Jack Shields, father and manager of UFC welterweight Jake Shields, died Monday at his home in the Sacramento, Calif., area. He was 67 years old.

Sherdog.com confirmed the news Tuesday with the fighter. While the elder Shields was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2010, it is not yet known whether the condition contributed to his death.

According to his son, Jack Shields was working on sponsorship business for the fighter when he sat down to rest and fell asleep, passing away peacefully sometime thereafter.

Serving as Jake’s manager, Shields negotiated his son’s contracts and business deals, including his current agreement with the UFC. A statement was released by Shields’ camp, Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, on Tuesday following an initial Facebook post by the fighter revealing the news on Monday.

“Jack Shields was instrumental in his son’s MMA career,” the statement read. “He taught Jake the values of hard work and perseverance. He was always there and was a fervent supporter through Jake’s early years in wrestling and when Jake transcended to MMA.

“Jack would often make the long drive from his home to watch Jake practice and was always at Jake’s fights. He was part of our team and we will miss him.”

Shields’ trainer, Cesar Gracie, offered his remembrance of the deceased on Tuesday.

“Jack was really a great guy. He was one of the more supportive fathers I’ve ever met,” said Gracie. “He will be truly missed by the whole team, and we truly enjoyed him being around.”