Jim Pignataro Obituary – Death: Jim Pignataro, Michigan State Executive Assistant Athletic Director for Student and Athlete Services, has died. He was 49 years old. The cause of death has not been revealed.
“Kind of news we never like to give. Michigan State announcing the passing of Jim Pignataro. Jim has had several roles in the Michigan State sporting section. The most recent assignment was as Associate Executive Director for Student-Athlete Services in 2015.”
Truly saddened by the loss of our Associate AD, Jim Pignataro. Worked w him @ EMU as well and he was an incredibly passionate leader who was committed to the success of S-A’s always. Sending prayers to his entire family… ❤️
— Suzy Merchant (@SuzyMerchant) August 26, 2021
Pignataro served as Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Services and Director of Student-Athlete Support Services, or SASS, prior to his most recent role as Executive Associate Athletic Director.
Jim it was an honor talking with you when I was at Michigan State, you were there not only for me but for every single student athlete that walked on the banks of the red cedar. My thoughts & prayers go out to the Pignataro family. 💚
— Rj Shelton (@rj_sheltonjr) August 26, 2021
Jim was the best of the best. His impact cannot be overstated and I will be forever grateful for his belief in me so many years ago. Love to the Pignataro’s and everyone mourning our Spartan friend. 💚
— Rachel Sampson (@rsampson011) August 26, 2021
The @GamePlanWorks family is heartbroken for the Pignataro’s and the @MSU_Athletics families. Personally, Jim was the greatest friend I could ever ask for. I feel like I lost a brother today and will miss him dearly. All of our love and prayers to Alana and the kids.
— Vin McCaffrey (@vinmccaffrey) August 27, 2021
Heartbreaking news for the Spartan community. RIP Jim 💚🤍 all our love to the Pignataro family
— Amanda Zedrick (@AmandaZedrick) August 27, 2021
Sage advice shared this spring by Jim Pignataro. I never had the chance to meet him but I’ve heard wonderful things about his mentorship from other Spartans. Rest In Peace. 💚
— Katie Kelly (@KKellyMSU) August 27, 2021
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Jim Pignataro family at this most difficult time. Jim was a true Spartan, who dealt with his illness with a constant strength and resolve. He impacted our coaches, faculty, staff and thousands of student-athletes in his time here at MSU. #RIP
— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) August 27, 2021
At the age of 49, Michigan State’s Executive Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services Jim Pignataro has died, according to a release from Michigan State Athletics.
— The State News (@thesnews) August 27, 2021