LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena University is deeply saddened by the passing of former women's basketball head coach Jim Jabir. Jabir, who served two stints leading Siena (1987-90, 2021-24) as part of a decorated 36-year collegiate head coaching career, passed away Wednesday at the age of 63 at his home in Menlo Park, California following a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
 
"It's difficult to find the words to express my gratitude for having known Jim Jabir, whose friend I had the privilege of being for 40 years," said Siena Vice President and Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. "He impacted so many lives – not only those of his former players and staff – but all who entered his world as well. Jim was proof that you could achieve success on the court with a great competitive spirit, while at the same time being a humble and compassionate leader. Our friendship grew stronger over the years, and even though there were miles between us for much of that time, the phone calls to catch up and provide support made the distance disappear. I am forever grateful to both Jim and his wife, Angie, for returning to Siena in 2021 and leaving a lasting impact. Jim had such a love for his family – Angie, his children and grandchildren, brother and sister – and we offer them our heartfelt prayers and support."
 
A finalist for the 2013 Naismith National Coach of the Year Award, Jabir amassed 561 career victories spanning head coaching stints at Buffalo State (1986-87), Siena (1987-90, 2021-24), Marquette (1990-96), Providence (1996-02), Dayton (2003-16), and Florida Atlantic (2017-21). Jabir led his programs to eight NCAA Tournament berths, highlighted by a 2015 Elite Eight appearance in Albany while leading Dayton.
 
"I am incredibly grateful to have known one of the most caring, giving human beings, who also happened to be one of the best basketball minds," said Siena Women's Basketball Head Coach Terry Primm, who served as an assistant under Jabir for seven years at both Florida Atlantic and with the Saints before succeeding him in Loudonville. "I am proud to have had Jim as a mentor, but blessed to call him a brother. I will love him, Angie, Jude, and his friends and family for the rest of my days."
 
In his two stints spanning six total seasons leading the Saints, Jabir totaled 97 victories. He first broke into the Division I head coaching ranks as a 24-year old when he took the reins of the Siena Women's Basketball program on Apr. 13, 1987. During his first stint in Loudonville, Jabir guided the Saints to a 50-29 (.633) record, while leading the program in its inaugural season of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action in 1989-90. Jabir concluded his storied head coaching career by piloting Siena to the program's first back-to-back MAAC Semifinals appearances in 11 years. During his final season in 2023-24, the Saints won 14 league games, marking the program's most conference victories in more than two decades dating back to the 2002-03 season.
 
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jim is survived by his wife, Angie, his four children: Shane (Lauren), Lauren (Paul), Jackson (Sewar), and Jude; eight grandchildren; brother, Mark, and sister Allyson (Rob) Owen. A celebration of Jim's life for close friends and family will be held in the coming months in Ohio. Donations may be made in Jim's memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital.