Jimmy died tragically of cancer on June 12, 1996 at the age of 15. He was a lifelong resident of Rockaway Township. Jimmy participated in Rockaway Township sports programs and excelled at basketball, football, baseball and track. At the time of his death he was a freshman at Morris Hills High School, where he had already gained recognition as a rising star. His football coach was quoted as saying, “Anybody who had a chance to know him was lucky.”

The Jimmy Ippolito Award was created in remembrance of Jimmy. Each year, the Majors managers and one coach from each Majors team submit the names of one or two graduating 12s players who they feel best assimilate the character traits, athletic and academic abilities displayed by Jimmy. The award committee then votes on the recipient. The Jimmy Ippolito Award is presented each year at the 12 Year Old Graduation Dinner.

The 2022 Jimmy Ippolito Award recipient was Hunter Kasko and Jack Wans , Both players showed great sportsmanship, played at a high level, played with passion, never gave up all season , great teammates , future leaders both tried to pick up teammates when they were down, played during tough personal times.
Jimmy would have been honored and proud to play with these two outstanding athletes."

Pictured 2022 Jimmy Ippolito Award recipient, Hunter Kasko , Jack wasn't present at time of event.