James Simons, the mathematician, hedge fund founder and philanthropist, died at 86, on Friday, May 10.
The former chair of the Department of Mathematics at Stony Brook University, Simons went on to launch Renaissance Technologies in East Setauket, and was considered to be one of the most highly compensated hedge fund executives in the United States. Along with his wife Marilyn Simons, James Simons who was known as Jim gave “billions of dollars to hundreds of philanthropic causes,” according to the foundation. The couple went on to co-found the Simons Foundation, a philanthropic organization supporting research in mathematics and science around the world.
Yet Simons remained committed to Stony Brook University, which in a tribute to Simons’ life, deemed him the university’s “most vocal champion.”
In June of 2023, the Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International, made a $500 million endowment gift to Stony Brook University. The gift is expected to grow by up to $1 billion in contributions for the university’s endowment through New York State’s 1:2 endowment matching program. The gift is intended to “cement” Stony Brook as the state’s “flagship research institution,” and the university’s “commitment to educational excellence, research innovation and community support,” according to a news release at the time. The gift is considered to be the largest unrestricted endowment gift in U.S. higher education. Impacts from investments that stem from the gift include student scholarships, endowed professorships innovative, research and clinical care, according to the university.
In April of 2023, the Simons Foundation, along with Bloomberg Philanthropies, pledged $150 million in combined support of the New York Climate Exchange on Governor’s Island, in New York City, a “first of its kind” center to be led by Stony Brook University.
Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Jim Simons long held a passion for math and science, earning an undergraduate degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a doctorate in math from the University of California in Berkeley, according to published reports. As a philanthropist, he sought to support initiatives that would “make a meaningful difference” and fostered projects that were deemed worthy and yet might not find funding anywhere else, according to the Simons Foundation. Support from the organization has contributed to breakthroughs in the “understanding of autism, the origins of the universe, cellular biology and computational science,” according to the foundation.
“Jim was a remarkable friend and advocate, both to Stony Brook and to me personally. I am honored to have known him,” Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis, said in a written statement.
“Stony Brook is incredibly fortunate to have been a part of his life and to have shared in his generosity, brilliance, humor, and unending curiosity about the world around him,” McInnis added. “The university is infinitely better because of Jim, from the students he taught to the research he led, the faculty he supported, and the programs he helped build.”
“Jim was an exceptional leader who did transformative work in mathematics and developed a world-leading investment company,” Simons Foundation President David Spergel said in a written statement.
“Together with Marilyn Simons, the current Simons Foundation board chair, Jim created an organization that has already had enormous impact in mathematics, basic science and our understanding of autism,” Spergel added. “The Simons Foundation, an in-perpetuity foundation, will carry their vision for philanthropy into the future.”
Simons is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He also leaves behind family, friends and colleagues who, the foundation pointed out, “fondly recall his genuine curiosity and quick wit.”
Those who would like to contribute memories about Jim Simons are asked to send them to observing@simonsfoundation.org . Information about memorial services and events honoring the life and legacy of Jim Simons will be posted on the Simons Foundation website .
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