I have been thinking all week about what I wanted to say about my longtime friend, I.J. Pinkham, who passed away April 15. Knowing someone for 45-plus years, being on his coaching staff for four years and being involved with him as a fellow BRHS coach for a dozen years, a fellow Rotarian (me, an honorary one) for several years, and covering his successful coaching career since 1987 when I began at the newspaper, I guess I am privileged to have known and was a friend of one of the best people I have ever known.

First off, my deepest sympathy to his wife Peggy, and sons Matthew and Tim. I.J. devoted most of his life to basketball, but I do know that family came first in his book. Peggy, whenever possible, was present for most of I.J.’s games during his 46-year career at BRHS. And Matthew and Tim both played for their Dad – I am sure it was tough at times for them being on Dad’s teams.

Through the many bus rides to the far reaches of the state with a busload of teenagers over four years to play basketball, I got to know I.J. better than some people. With his longtime assistant Dennis Rice seated up front on the bus with us, we would share stories before getting serious about the upcoming games as the bus pulled closer to another school. Of course, Dennis would lighten the mood with his wonderful sense of humor.

Two of the most impressive things I have taken away from our friendship were I.J.’s attention to detail and his dedication.

Not only was he a basketball coach, but he served as BRHS athletic director for many years. Scheduling games, rescheduling games, organizing practices times, taking care of uniforms and fields, and more – not an easy job. Also, as coach, he took the time to research Seahawk basketball records back to the early 1960s and kept them updated throughout his career.

He was dedicated to his math students. “He was one of my favorite teachers,” is what I have heard many times over the years, including my son when I told him of I.J.’s passing.

I.J. was dedicated to Rotary. For many years, he would be in charge of getting fellow Rotarians to help with the Rotary basketball tournament in March. My friend Munro Dodge and I, along with the YMCA’s Neal Verge, would be in charge of running the girls tournament at BRES and I.J. would usually be there early each weekend morning setting up the concession stand, cleaning up garbage, making sure the Rotarians showed up to help with the scoresheets, sell tickets, etc. He, along with many other Rotarians, was also right there during the annual Rotary Auction at Boothbay Common for many years.

I have much more to say but I will keep the many memories to myself as a way of savoring our friendship.

Rest in peace I.J. The cheering has stopped but the love of the community and the memories will linger on.