Jbara was born in Nankin Township (now Westland), Michigan, the son of an advertising office manager and an insurance claims adjuster. He is of Lebanese and Irish descent. After graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, Michigan, Jbara attended the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1981. He majored in Communication Studies and took classes in Theatre and Musical Theatre. He left Michigan to attend the Juilliard School's drama division (1982–1986, Group 15), where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Both of Jbara's brothers also have careers in the entertainment industry. Mike, formerly President and CEO, WEA Corp., is now CEO at MQA. Brother Dan had a career primarily as an unscripted TV show producer. Jbara also has a sister, Judy, who is Chief Supervision Officer at Northwestern Mutual Woodland Hills.
