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The actor James Ransone, known for his roles as Ziggy Sobotka on The Wire and Eddie Kaspbrak in It: Chapter Two, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the 46-year-old’s death a suicide, reports TMZ. Ransone leaves behind his wife, Jamie “Skipper” McPhee, and their two children.

Months before his tragic death, McPhee shared the impact of mental illness on her friends and family. On social media, she revealed that she lost three friends to suicide in the last three years. We can’t imagine the pain her husband’s passing has caused. Learn more about Ransone’s family and how mental health struggles have impacted those they love.

James Ransone’s wife and two children mourn their loss

Two days after losing her husband, Jamie McPhee posted a photo on Instagram. In it, she’s standing next to Ransone while he holds her pregnant belly. She wrote, “I told you I have loved you 1000 times before and I know I will love you again. You told me – I need to be more like you and you need to be more like me – and you were so right. Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts – you, Jack and Violet. We are forever.”

Ransone and McPhee’s “greatest gifts,” as she described them, are their 6-year-old son, Jack, and 4-year-old daughter, Violet. Both children appear on the family’s GoFundMe page, “Supporting Jamie, Jack, and Violet After Loss.” As of publication, it has raised over $85K of its $120K goal “to give Jamie the space to focus fully on Jack and Violet, to care for them, protect their sense of security, and ensure they have a bright future — even without James’s light present in their everyday lives.”

Unfortunately, this isn’t Jamie’s first experience with suicide. In May 2025, she posted an Instagram video of waves with a caption sharing that she’s navigated mental illness, via family and friends. She mentioned, “In the last 3 years I have had three very dear friends take their own lives. Everyone asks why. Why? Because being a human isn’t easy. And asking for help can be even harder.”

Jamie mentioned how the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the isolation of many. She noted how social media can mislead people into thinking that “everyone is thriving.” “Mental illness can be as debilitating as physical illness – it’s just harder to see it,” she stated before asking that followers donate to the National Alliance on Mental Health. Sadly, mental illness has likely affected her life again as she mourns the loss of her husband, James, known to friends as “PJ.”

James Ranson’s legacy

The family GoFundMe page describes Ransone as “funny, magnetic, brilliant, and endlessly alive. Above all else, he was an extraordinary father.” In addition to being a husband and dad, the Baltimore native had a long career in film and TV. Ransone’s acting credits include The Wire, Generation Kill, The Black Phone and its sequel Black Phone 2, Bosch, and Poker Face.

Some notable names appear on Ransone’s GoFundMe donation list, including Walton Goggins, Kelly Osbourne, and Ransone’s How to Make It in America co-star Lake Bell. Julia Fox also donated to his family’s fund. Under Jamie’s Instagram tribute, she commented, “Giving you the biggest virtual hug and I hope you are wrapped in warmth and love. we got your back with whatever you need.”

As tributes pour in from friends, collaborators, and fans, they remember Ransone not only for his memorable performances but for the love he poured into his family and the joy he brought to those around him. For Jamie, Jack, and Violet, the road ahead will likely be shaped by grief, resilience, and community support.

How to get help: In the U.S., call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.

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