James Thomas Anthony Valvano was the mischievous middle Sun born to Rocco and Angela. His brothers, Nick and Bob endured the constant talk and gestures of his crazy brother in spirit. Jim said, "to understand how a family who grew up in that hugged, kissed, touched and said:" I love you "so often that it should have been X-Rated". Twenty-five years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Pamela Levine, produced three daughters: Nicole, Jamie, and Lee Ann. Despite his demanding schedule often kept him away from those he loved most, his deep commitment to family is the foundation that allowed him to live his dream.

Life and Career

Victory in the 1983 National Championship was a victory over number one seeded University of Houston Cougars. This was the "Phi Slamma Jamma" team that included future Basketball Hall of Fame great Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon, Jimmy V shows the passion for basketball and coaching skills.In 1989, allegations of misconduct and NCAA rules violations were made by members of the national media, a commission appointed by the State Commission Poole, a report which concluded that "Coach Valvano and his coaching staff circumvented the rules to keep players eligible. "This led to Valvano be forced to resign as head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director.

In 1990 a study by the NCAA very clear that Valvano and NC State for any violations of eligibility. This research found that NC-State actors had poor ticket sales and sneakers, in violation of the policy, the NCAA, but that it was without the knowledge of Valvano or any member of the coaching staff. Valvano decided to retire from coaching, many decline offers, and moved to a career as a highly respected commentator and basketball analyst for college basketball broadcasts.

In 1992, after being diagnosed with incurable bone cancer, he and his wife, he formed the Jimmy V Foundation, dedicated to helping find a cure for cancer. 28 April 1993 at the age of 47 years was losing his battle against cancer.