University of Massachusets Athletics
In Memoriam: Jim Weller
July 01, 2026 | Men's Lacrosse, Athletics Department
The University of Massachusetts athletics department mourns the passing of UMass Athletics Hall of Famer Jim Weller, one of the most accomplished players in the history of Minutemen men's lacrosse.
Weller left an indelible mark on the Minutemen program during his standout career from 1979-82, which included NCAA Tournament appearances in 1979 and 1981. In 1981, the Minutemen finished with a 13-2 record and fourth in the final national rankings. More than four decades later, Weller remains the program's all-time leader with 162 career goals while ranking third in school history with 256 career points.
"I am shocked and saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing," said University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse head coach Kyle Smith. "He was a world class person and player who will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I always enjoyed running into him up in Lake Placid, New York or welcoming him back to Amherst for a practice. His wit and charm were always on display; I cannot think of a time he didn't mention his experience and relationships at UMass as being such an important part of his life."
A three-time All-American, Weller authored one of the finest individual seasons in UMass lacrosse history in 1981, setting single-season program records with 62 goals and 98 points—marks that still stand today. He also finished his career with 94 assists, tied for sixth all-time in program history. His offensive production placed him among the NCAA's all-time leaders in multiple career and single-season statistical categories.
Following his collegiate career, Weller represented Canada on the international stage, competing for the Canadian National Field Lacrosse Team at the 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1990 World Championships. He led Canada in goals and points during the 1982, 1984 and 1986 tournaments and earned All-World Team honors in both 1984 and 1986.
Weller was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
Weller left an indelible mark on the Minutemen program during his standout career from 1979-82, which included NCAA Tournament appearances in 1979 and 1981. In 1981, the Minutemen finished with a 13-2 record and fourth in the final national rankings. More than four decades later, Weller remains the program's all-time leader with 162 career goals while ranking third in school history with 256 career points.
"I am shocked and saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing," said University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse head coach Kyle Smith. "He was a world class person and player who will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I always enjoyed running into him up in Lake Placid, New York or welcoming him back to Amherst for a practice. His wit and charm were always on display; I cannot think of a time he didn't mention his experience and relationships at UMass as being such an important part of his life."
A three-time All-American, Weller authored one of the finest individual seasons in UMass lacrosse history in 1981, setting single-season program records with 62 goals and 98 points—marks that still stand today. He also finished his career with 94 assists, tied for sixth all-time in program history. His offensive production placed him among the NCAA's all-time leaders in multiple career and single-season statistical categories.
Following his collegiate career, Weller represented Canada on the international stage, competing for the Canadian National Field Lacrosse Team at the 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1990 World Championships. He led Canada in goals and points during the 1982, 1984 and 1986 tournaments and earned All-World Team honors in both 1984 and 1986.
Weller was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
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