The Maine basketball community mourns the passing of I.J. Pinkham, the winningest coach in the state’s boys’ basketball history, who amassed 659 wins over a remarkable 49-year career before his death at 77.
More than his victories, he will be remembered for his mentorship, love for his players, and devotion to his family and community.
His passing has left many people in deep sadness.
This is especially true for his loving wife, Margaret “Peggy” Pinkham, their two sons, Timothy and Matthew, and their four grandchildren.
Born and raised in Milbridge, Maine, I.J. Pinkham was a true son of the state.
After graduating from Milbridge High School, he attended Farmington State Teachers College (now the University of Maine at Farmington) in 1965, where he played basketball and honed his passion for the sport.
His journey as an educator and coach began in Buckfield, where he took his first teaching job and made his varsity coaching debut with the Bucks during the 1970-1971 season.
In 1976, I.J. and Peggy moved to the Boothbay Region, a place they would call home for decades.
They settled in East Boothbay, focused on building their careers and raising their young family. I.J. joined Boothbay Region High School as a teacher and coach, a role that defined much of his life.
Six years later, he led the Seahawks to a regional championship in his first season, cementing his reputation as a coaching legend along Maine’s Midcoast.
I.J. Pinkham Is Well-Known For His Contributions To Maine High School Basketball
Since taking the helm at Boothbay Region High School in 1976, he transformed the Seahawks into a powerhouse, amassing more wins than any other boys’ basketball coach in Maine history.
His 659 victories are a testament to his skill, dedication, and ability to inspire his players.
His achievements didn’t go unnoticed.
In 2016, I.J. was among 23 individuals inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
Three years later, in 2019, he was honored again with induction into the Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame.
During his induction into the Maine Principals’ Association “Hall of Excellence,” I.J. thanked his wife Peggy and their children, noting how their family winters “revolved around basketball between all the games and practices.”
But for I.J., coaching was never just about winning. His players remember him as a mentor who cared deeply about their growth on and off the court.
At the heart of I.J.’s life was his wife, Peggy, whom he married on August 14, 1976. For 48 years, they stood by each other through every challenge and triumph.
Peggy, who knew I.J. better than anyone, often said, “You know him as a basketball coach, but he really is a great teacher.”
Her pride in his work was evident, but so was her admiration for the man he was at home—a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
I.J. and Peggy raised two sons, Timothy and Matthew, in Boothbay. They were hands-on parents, cheering at swim meets and encouraging their boys in every endeavor.
The couple also shared a commitment to giving back to their community.
Peggy once spoke about their involvement in the Boothbay Region YMCA annual fund, saying,
“I think it’s a good thing for us to do and it’s something we can do to help. We’re both known in the community and you have to serve that greater good”
Via BoothBay Register
Their partnership was a model of mutual support. While I.J. coached, Peggy was his biggest supporter, attending games and celebrating his milestones.
In return, I.J. leaned on her strength, especially during the demanding basketball seasons that defined their family’s rhythm.
I.J.’s impact extended far beyond basketball.
After earning a master’s degree in Secondary School Administration from the University of Southern Maine in 1982, he continued to serve as an educator, shaping countless young lives in the classroom.
His ability to connect with students and athletes earned him respect and admiration across Maine.
In retirement, I.J. enjoyed watching his four grandchildren pursue their sports interests.
Winter days once spent on the court were now filled with cheering from the sidelines as a proud grandfather.
His love for his family was continuous, and he cherished every moment with Peggy, Timothy, Matthew, and his grandchildren.
The Maine Community Is In Mourning Following The Passing Of Beloved Figure I.J. Pinkham
The news of I.J. Pinkham’s death has rippled through Maine, leaving friends, former players, and colleagues reflecting on his extraordinary life.
Social media posts on X have poured in, with many calling him a “legend” and a “true role model.”
One post read,
Some sad news to pass along. Maine Basketball Coaching legend IJ Pinkham has passed away. IJ lead Boothbay to 659 victories and the Class C State Championship back in 2001. Rest in peace Coach…
— Dave Eid (@DaveEidWGME) April 17, 2025
As the Boothbay Region and the broader Maine basketball community grieve, they also celebrate a man who gave so much to others.
His legacy lives on in the players he coached, the students he taught, and the family he loved dearly.
I.J. Pinkham is survived by his wife, Peggy, their sons, Timothy and Matthew, and their four grandchildren.
Though he is no longer with us, his spirit will forever be felt in the gyms of Maine and the hearts of those who knew him.
