James "Jim" Steven Sabonis

James Steven “Jim” Sabonis, 69, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on August 2, 2026, in Vail, Colorado. Born July 25, 1957, in Utica, New York, to Charles Sabonis and Elizabeth Marchilonis, Jim lived a life distinguished by discipline, determination, intellectual curiosity, athletic excellence, professional achievement, and, above all, an extraordinary devotion to the people he loved.

Professionally, Jim built an exceptional career in finance and economic development. He entered the securities industry in 1984 and joined his firm in 1992, ultimately serving as a Managing Director with Hilltop Securities.

Over the course of his career, Jim advised approximately 50 governmental entities and more than 30 major Texas and national real estate development firms. His work extended across cities, counties, economic development corporations, tax increment reinvestment zones, utility districts, municipal management districts, public improvement districts, master-planned communities, urban revitalization projects, shopping centers, sports facilities, and institutions of higher education.

He became widely respected for his ability to develop creative, sophisticated, and cost-effective financing structures. Jim was an innovator in economic development financing and public-private partnerships, helping communities and developers transform long-term plans into tangible projects. He developed and implemented financing and monetization strategies that strengthened financial positions while complementing long-range strategic goals.

He took pride in helping communities grow, solving difficult financial challenges, and creating opportunities that would benefit generations to come. His expertise, judgment, and ability to find solutions earned him the trust of countless public officials, business leaders, developers, and colleagues throughout Texas.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Economics from The University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Business Administration in Corporate Finance from the University of Dallas. He was a registered representative of FINRA and held securities licenses including Series 7, Series 50, Series 63, and Series 79.

Early in life, Jim excelled on the basketball court, playing starting guard at Utica Free Academy and later at Plano Senior High School. His passion for athletics continued throughout adulthood.

While attending Stephen F. Austin State University, Jim immersed himself in powerlifting and bodybuilding. Training alongside accomplished athletes, he developed the discipline and work ethic that would become hallmarks of his life. His dedication culminated in winning the NCAA National Powerlifting Championship in the 198-pound weight class, where he established a national deadlift record of 727 pounds. His competitive career continued well beyond college. He competed successfully in regional and national powerlifting competitions and ranked first in the deadlift as a senior competitor during the 1997 NASA Powerlifting season.

Basketball remained a lifelong passion. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jim competed alongside his brothers and closest friends in numerous Hoop-It-Up three-on-three tournaments, collecting championships while creating memories and friendships that remained important to him throughout his life.

Later, golf became another competitive pursuit. Jim won back-to-back Dallas Tour Amateur Championships and became a highly respected senior competitor throughout North Texas.

Perhaps his greatest athletic legacy, however, was the influence he had on the next generation. Jim mentored and trained several of his nephews in powerlifting, helping them develop the discipline, confidence, and work ethic that allowed them to establish state and national high-school powerlifting records.

For Jim, the greatest reward was never simply winning. It was watching people he loved discover what they were capable of becoming.

For all of Jim’s professional and athletic accomplishments, those closest to him knew that his greatest source of pride was his family.

Jim was a devoted husband to Angela Sabonis, whom he married on February 14, 2016, in Dallas. Their marriage was built on love, partnership, patience, and an enduring commitment to one another. Jim supported his wife wholeheartedly and believed in putting in the work necessary to build a beautiful life together, even when life presented challenges. He was also a remarkable father to his children, Elizabeth Lee Sabonis and James Steven Sabonis Jr. Jim worked tirelessly to provide for his family, but he never allowed his professional responsibilities to keep him from being present. He found time to nurture his children, play with them, tell stories, attend their games, recitals, and school presentations, and create the kinds of memories that remain long after a childhood has passed.

He possessed an extraordinary gift for storytelling. Given virtually any subject, Jim could turn it into a story, weaving his children and their friends into elaborate narratives and making ordinary moments memorable.

He was the father who showed up—even when it meant working late into the night afterward.

He was the husband who listened.

He was the brother who competed beside his family.

He was the uncle who taught by example.

And he was the friend who could always be counted upon.

Jim is survived by his wife, Angela Sabonis of Dallas, Texas; his daughter, Elizabeth Lee Sabonis of Dallas, Texas; and his son, James Steven Sabonis Jr. of Dallas, Texas.

He is also survived by his siblings, Chris Sabonis and his wife, Sandi of Frisco, Texas; Susan Joiner and her husband, Robert of Dallas, Texas; Kevin Sabonis and his wife, Sharlene of Prosper, Texas; and Sharon Sabonis of Round Rock, Texas, as well as his nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many cherished friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Sabonis and Elizabeth Marchilonis; his brother, Charles “Caz” Sabonis Jr.; and his nephew, Cole Joiner.

He was the best omelet maker, the best griller, an enthusiastic backyard dance-party participant, and a formidable Nerf-war opponent. Jim will always be remembered for the way he loved those closest to him fiercely and generously and gave them all he had.

In Lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the American Heart Association , https://www.heart.org or Hope Supply Co., https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E343889&id=1