Jim Ryan, the head coach of the boys’ varsity basketball team at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, died on April 22, 2025.
According to the school’s athletic department, Jim Ryan took his last breath peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
Jim Ryan was a teacher, mentor, and friend to many. Now that he isn’t anymore, the entire Cardinal Gibbons community is mourning his loss.
The respected head coach, Ryan, is survived by his wife, Susan Ryan, and their three children, Emily, Michael, and Sarah.
Meanwhile, the family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and no further details about his passing have been shared publicly.
Likewise, details surrounding his funeral services have yet to be published by his family.
Jim Ryan Spent Over a Decade Contributing to the Success Of Cardinal Gibbons As Both A Coach And Educator!
Jim Ryan joined the school in 2013 as an assistant coach of basketball and lacrosse before being promoted to head basketball coach in 2014, succeeding Marque Carrington.
He also taught English and served as the Yearbook Advisor.
Ryan had a rich coaching background; before Cardinal Gibbons, he spent 12 years coaching at the Division I college level, including at Middle Tennessee State (1996-2002), UNC Asheville (1993-1996), and UNC Chapel Hill’s junior varsity program.
He was the Associate Head Coach under Randy Wiel at Middle Tennessee State for six years.
Additionally, Ryan had prior high school coaching experience as Head Basketball Coach at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, NJ, and as an assistant at Goldsboro and Knightdale High Schools in North Carolina.
His experience and passion for the game helped grow the Cardinal Gibbons basketball program. Under Ryan’s leadership, the boys’ basketball team saw success and development.
Not to forget, Ryan was a finalist for the 2010 Wake County Public School System Teacher of the Year Award.
Ryan coached at Cardinal Gibbons for several years, with notable mentions in 2020 and 2021 for leading the team to a win over Enloe and previewing the 2020-2021 season, highlighting the potential of younger players.
During this difficult time, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Ryan’s wife, kids, and extended family.
Rest In Peace, Jim Ryan!
