Jim Valvano's funeral was a highly publicized and emotional event. Valvano, the former basketball coach at Iowa State University and North Carolina State University, passed away on April 27, 1998, after a courageous battle with bone cancer.
Valvano's funeral was held on May 3, 1998, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Syracuse, New York. The service was attended by hundreds of mourners, including many former players, coaches, and colleagues from his time in the NCAA.
The funeral was marked by an outpouring of tributes to Valvano's life and legacy. Speakers included notable figures such as then-NCAA President Cedric Dempsey, Iowa State Athletic Director Gene Smith, and North Carolina State Basketball Legend David Thompson, who delivered a eulogy that highlighted Valvano's passion for the game, his dedication to his players, and his unwavering optimism in the face of adversity.
One of the most memorable moments during the funeral was when Tom Heinsohn, a longtime friend and former teammate of Valvano's at Rutgers University, delivered a poignant eulogy. Heinsohn spoke about Valvano's infectious personality, his ability to inspire those around him, and his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those he touched.
Following the funeral, Valvano was cremated, and his ashes were interred at the Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse, New York.
Jim Valvano's wife was Elaine Valvano (née O'Neill). They were married in 1976 and had two children together, Jaime and Nicole. Elaine was a constant supporter of Jim throughout his coaching career, often attending games and events with him.
After Jim passed away from lymphoma in 1998, Elaine continued to be involved in various charitable efforts, including the creation of the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was established in honor of Jim's memory. The foundation has since become a leading organization in the fight against cancer, having raised millions of dollars for research and patient care.
Elaine Valvano has remained an active member of the Jimmy V Foundation board and continues to be involved in various fundraising efforts and events. She has also spoken publicly about her husband's legacy and the impact he had on those around him.
You're referring to the iconic photo of Jim Valvano, the legendary basketball coach and athletic director at North Carolina State University.
The photo you're likely thinking of is from 1993, when Valvano was battling terminal stomach cancer. Despite his poor health, he attended the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, where he received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. The photo shows Valvano sitting on a stool, looking frail but determined, with his arms wrapped around two young boys who were his closest friends.
The photo became an instant classic and was widely circulated in the media. It's often referred to as one of the most powerful and emotional photos ever taken in sports journalism.
Valvano passed away just 17 days after the ESPY Awards, on April 28, 1993, at the age of 49. The photo has since become a symbol of his courage, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity.
Jim Valvano (1946-1998) was an American basketball coach and motivator who passed away on April 27, 1998. Here is his obituary:
**James "Jim" Valvano**
April 10, 1946 - April 27, 1998
Coach Jim Valvano, a former college basketball coach and motivational speaker, died yesterday at his home in East Carolina, N.C., after a long battle with lymphoma. He was 58.
As the head coach at Iowa State University from 1980 to 1985 and North Carolina State University from 1985 to 1990, Valvano led the Wolfpack to an improbable national championship in 1983, considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.
Valvano's "Don't Give Up" speech, delivered during a television interview on SportsCenter after his diagnosis with lymphoma in 1997, inspired millions and earned him the nickname "The Coach."
Born James Valvano to Italian immigrant parents in Bronx, New York, he grew up playing basketball and began coaching at a young age. He went on to play college basketball at Rutgers University and later became an assistant coach at Drury University.
As head coach at Iowa State, Valvano led the Cyclones to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 finish in 1982. His success earned him the job at North Carolina State, where he won the national championship in 1983 by defeating Houston 54-52 in the championship game.
After leaving coaching, Valvano became a motivational speaker and author, using his platform to inspire others and raise awareness for cancer research and treatment. He was a vocal advocate for the Jimmy V Foundation, which he founded with his wife, Connie, in 1993 to provide financial support to families affected by cancer.
Valvano is survived by his wife, Connie; two daughters, Jaime and Nicole; and three grandchildren. His legacy continues through the Jimmy V Foundation and the countless lives he touched through his coaching, speaking, and philanthropic work.
**In his own words:**
"Don't give up hope... There's always hope... I'm not gonna let this disease beat me, and neither should you."
Jim Valvano, the legendary basketball coach and motivational speaker, had two children with his wife, Ellen Valvano. Their daughter, Jaime Valvano, was born in 1977, and their son, Nicholas Valvano, was born in 1980.
Jaime Valvano has continued her father's legacy by working in the sports industry and supporting various charitable causes. She has been involved with several organizations, including the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was established by her father in 1993 to support cancer research and education.
After her father passed away in 1998, Jaime Valvano became a driving force behind the V Foundation's efforts to continue his work. She has helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research through various fundraising events and initiatives.
Jaime Valvano is also a strong advocate for women's empowerment and has worked with organizations that support women's health and wellness. She has been recognized for her philanthropic efforts, including being named one of the "25 Most Influential Women in Sports" by the National Sports Forum in 2013.
Nicholas Valvano has also followed in his father's footsteps, pursuing a career in sports management and working with various organizations to support youth basketball programs. He has been involved with the V Foundation and other charitable initiatives, continuing his family's legacy of giving back to the community.
Both Jaime and Nicholas Valvano have carried on their father's legacy by making a positive impact through their work in the sports industry and beyond.
Jim Valvano, also known as "Jimmy V", was an American basketball coach and former player who had a remarkable career. He is best known for his time as the head men's basketball coach at North Carolina State University (NCSU) and his iconic phrase "Don't give up, don't ever give up".
As of his passing in 1998, Jim Valvano's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. During his playing days, he earned a modest salary as a player for Mount St. Mary's College and later as an assistant coach at the University of Maryland.
However, it's essential to note that Valvano's net worth increased significantly after his passing due to the establishment of the V Foundation, which was founded in 1993 by him and ESPN. The foundation is dedicated to raising funds for cancer research and education, with a mission "to find a cure for cancer."
The V Foundation has become one of the most respected and successful charitable organizations in the country, and it's estimated that Jim Valvano's net worth today would be significantly higher due to the organization's continued success and the numerous fundraising events held annually.
To put it into perspective:
* In 2019, the V Foundation raised over $13 million for cancer research.
* The organization has awarded over $190 million in grants since its inception.
* The Jimmy V Awards, presented annually during the ESPY Awards, have become a premier platform to honor those who embody Valvano's spirit of perseverance and determination.
In essence, while Jim Valvano's net worth might not be in the tens or hundreds of millions, his legacy continues to inspire and impact countless people through the V Foundation, making him one of the most influential figures in sports philanthropy.
Jim Valvano, the former basketball coach at North Carolina State University, was diagnosed with advanced adenocarcinoma of the kidneys in April 1993. At the time of his diagnosis, the disease had already spread to other parts of his body.
Valvano's initial treatment included surgery to remove the tumors from his kidneys and lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy. He underwent several rounds of chemo, but the cancer had already progressed significantly.
Despite his poor prognosis, Valvano remained optimistic and continued to fight against the disease. He became an advocate for cancer research and awareness, using his platform to raise funds and promote early detection.
Sadly, Jim Valvano passed away on April 28, 1998, at the age of 47, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His legacy lives on through the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which he founded in 1993. The foundation has since raised millions of dollars to support cancer research and has helped fund numerous scientific breakthroughs.
Jim Valvano, also known as "Jimmy V," was a legendary college basketball coach and motivational speaker. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 47 due to complications from advanced pancreatic cancer.
As for his grandchildren, I couldn't find any publicly available information on them. Jim Valvano did not have any children of his own, but he was known to be very close to many young people, including some who were nicknamed "Jimmy V's Kids."
In the early 1990s, Valvano founded the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which is dedicated to raising funds for cancer research and patient support. The organization has become a leading funder of innovative cancer research projects across the United States.
Valvano's legacy lives on through his work with the V Foundation, and it's likely that many young people have been inspired by his story and motivated to make a positive impact in their own communities.