• Faith: Christian
• Career: Businessman
• Birthday:  June 13, 1959
• Date of Death:  May 21, 2025

James ("Jim") Irsay was an American billionaire businessman who served as the principal owner, chairman, and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts from 1997 until his death in 2025. Known for his passionate leadership and colorful personality, Irsay played a major role in shaping the Colts into one of the league’s most successful franchises during the Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck eras.

Born on June 13, 1959, in Lincolnwood, Illinois, Jim Irsay was the son of Robert Irsay, a successful heating and air-conditioning contractor, and Harriet Pogorzelski. Raised in a Catholic household, Jim attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, and later Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1982 with a degree in broadcast journalism and was a walk-on linebacker for the SMU Mustangs football team until an ankle injury ended his playing career.

Jim's involvement with the Colts began early, as his father purchased the Baltimore Colts in 1972. Jim joined the team's professional staff in 1982 and was named vice president and general manager in 1984 at the age of 24, making him the youngest general manager in NFL history. Following his father's death in 1997, Jim became the sole owner of the Colts.

Under his leadership, the Colts experienced significant success, including 10 division titles, 18 playoff appearances, and a victory in Super Bowl XLI. The team also achieved 115 regular-season wins from 2000 to 2009, the second-most in a decade by any NFL team.

Jim married Meg Coyle in 1980, and the couple had three daughters: Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson. They separated in 2003, and Meg filed for divorce in 2013. Jim was a passionate collector of music memorabilia and performed with his own all-star band, The Jim Irsay Band, hosting free concerts across the country.

Jim Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep in Los Angeles on May 21, 2025. He is survived by his three daughters and ten grandchildren. The Colts organization and the broader NFL community mourned his passing, remembering him as a generous leader who left an indelible mark on the sport.

Jim Irsay's Religious Beliefs

Jim's father was from a Hungarian Jewish family, and his mother was the daughter of Polish Catholic immigrants. He was raised Catholic and did not know about his father's Jewish heritage until he was fourteen.

A devout Christian, Jim Irsay often spoke about the importance of humility and giving glory to God. He once said, "It's important for me to show humility and humble yourself before God — to let people know that's where the power comes from." His faith influenced his leadership style and philanthropic endeavors, including a $5 million donation to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago in honor of his late cousin, Sister Joyce Dura.