Coach Jim Clayton, a beloved teacher, mentor, and basketball instructor, passed away tragically on September 18, 2025.
According to the Facebook post, he was admitted to the hospital and was in the ICU before he passed away.
While he was undergoing treatment, many people offered their prayers, but tragically, he passed away within a few days.
Jimmy Clayton Was A Legendary Coach In The Tri-State Area!
Jimmy Clayton was a basketball coach and mentor, best known as the founder and CEO of Sports City U Basketball Academy.
Originally from Huntington, West Virginia, he was a household name in the local basketball circles.
He studied Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Safety at West Virginia University Institute of Technology.
As a teacher, he began his career at Cabell Midland High School and later worked with the Cabell County Board of Education.
A beloved figure in the Tri-State area, he spent decades coaching, mentoring, and training athletes throughout this region.
He spent his life teaching the game with passion and positivity, using his motto BAM (Believe, Achieve, Motivate) to inspire players on and off the court.
Coach Clayton was known for spotting small mistakes in a player’s shot and helping them fix it quickly, often in just one session.
He trained hundreds of athletes over the years, including future NBA stars such as O.J. Mayo and Patrick Patterson.
Additionally, he created popular training videos and tools and worked with NBA teams such as the New Jersey Nets and Portland Trail Blazers.
He was a Nike Shooting/Skills Specialist and a regular speaker at Nike Championship Basketball Clinics.
His lessons in shooting, ball handling, and motivation helped many athletes reach their goals.
Moreover, he was a motivator and a friend who made every gym feel like home.
Following the passing of a legendary coach, Jimmy, many of his former players and community members paid tribute and shared heartfelt messages honoring his life and legacy.
One of his former students shared a heartfelt message remembering the time they spent in the gym, saying :
Ohhh Jimmy!! You were the best to do it! This man gave confidence to kids unlike anyone I’ve ever seen before. He had such a way of teaching and I’ll forever be greatful to experience that! We spent many hours together in that gym, it’s sad I won’t get to be there with you anymore
thank you for your time, I love you and will miss you!! Rest each coach
Likewise, another one wrote:
In my life so far, I’ve met many influential people who have pushed me to improve myself every single day. Jim Clayton was definitely one of them. I remember going to the gym to work out, and if I looked even a little upset after missing a shot, he’d come over and say, “That shot is over, it’s done. The next one is what matters. You can’t let the last shot stop you from making the next one.” Right then, a smile would come to my face, and I’d get back into it. Jimmy had a way of brightening anyone’s day. If you knew him, you had a true friend. I’m so grateful for the chance to work out at Sports City U and to train kids alongside Jimmy Clayton there. Rest in peace Coach , I’ll take all of your guidance and lessons you gave me constantly with me through life
As Coach Jimmy Clayton passed away, his memory and the powerful impact he had on countless athletes will be remembered for generations to come.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Coach Jimmy Clayton’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legendary Coach!
