Jack Friedman, the founder of JAKKS Pacific toy company, passed away on May 3, 2010, from complications due to a rare blood disease. He was 70 years old and had spent 50 years of his life in the toy industry. Known for his philanthropic work with children, the military, and charities that needed an infusion of cash and enthusiasm, he was a man who loved life. Click here to read Stephanie Finnegan’s blog tribute to Friedman.