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| Jim Margraff coached Johns Hopkins to 221 wins and a trip to the 2018 Division III football national semifinals. d3photography.com file photo by Robert B. Forbes |
Jim Margraff, the 2018 D3football.com national Coach of the Year, died in his sleep early this morning, the university confirmed.
Margraff, 58, led Johns Hopkins in all-time wins as a football coach. His Blue Jays finished No. 5 in the D3football.com Top 25 after a run to the NCAA Division III national semifinals, the first in program history.
Margraff ended the 2018 season with a 29-year record of 221-89-3 (.711) since taking over at Johns Hopkins in 1990. He was the winningest coach in Johns Hopkins and Centennial Conference history and his 221 wins are also the most of any college football coach in Maryland state history. Among active Division III head coaches, he ranked third in career victories.
A memorial service will be held on Johns Hopkins' Homewood campus, with details to be announced.
"Jim Margraff was a thoughtful, humble, passionate and exceptionally talented leader and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time," said Johns Hopkins athletic director Alanna W. Shanahan. "He left an indelible impact on all he touched and he made us all better. We will forever be thankful for the unparalleled experiences he provided for so many over the course of his highly successful career."
A 1982 graduate of Johns Hopkins, Margraff is survived by his wife, Alice, and children Megan, James and Will. Alice Margraff is a 1989 Johns Hopkins graduate, while Megan Margraff graduated from Johns Hopkins in 2017.
More reaction:
Sometime before the Johns Hopkins-Mount Union game, I remember thinking, saying or writing how cool it is going to be for the rest of the nation to get to know Jim Margraff. Little did I know it was going to be a last hurrah. He always had the perfect perspective on #d3fb.
— Keith McMillan (@D3Keith) January 2, 2019
I was so glad to connect and chat with Johns Hopkins football coach Jim Margraff this season as his team made a great playoff run. He was always gracious with his time, no matter how we picked JHU for any given season, story or poll. So devastating to learn of his death. #d3fb
— Patrick Coleman (@SocialPLC) January 2, 2019
Such sad news to hear about the passing of Jim Margraff. One of my favorite #d3fb coaches to talk to and learn from. Another legend gone far too soon.
— Adam Turer (@adamturer) January 2, 2019
So sad. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Coach Margraff after their QF win in December. #d3fb lost a great coach and a better person today. Condolences to everybody at JHU. https://t.co/3OKrvkHBt4
— Wally Wabash (@wallywabash) January 2, 2019
Had the pleasure of announcing some classic Wesley/JHU playoff games between Margraff and the late Mike Drass. Glad he got that Final Four run in before he left us. #d3fb https://t.co/MrtuDS3A1Y
— Sean Greene (@SeanGreeneWDEL) January 2, 2019
On 12/1/18, on a whim, we decided to broadcast from the @RPIFootball/@JHU_Football quarterfinal game for @d3football - got to meet @CoachMargraff & became a fan. Shocked to learn of his passing; we’ve lost another great one. Condolences to the @JHU_Football & Margraff families. pic.twitter.com/0SNDd3Bzxn
— In The (D3FB) Huddle (@D3FBHuddle) January 2, 2019
To me, the best part about that day is the way Margraff, standing in a Division I lacrosse building, embodied the #d3fb spirit. Sat quietly off to the side while his players got all the shine, and yet was super accommodating, even when he didn't have to be.
— Keith McMillan (@D3Keith) January 2, 2019
We are deeply saddened to hear that Coach Jim Margraff @JHU_Football has passed away. Coach was a first class person and great football coach. It was an honor to compete with you. Our condolences to his family, staff and players.
— Vince Kehres (@vkehres) January 2, 2019
So sad at the loss of a close friend, terrific person, and outstanding football coach. You will be missed greatly Jim Margraff!!
— Bob Babb (@Coach_babb) January 2, 2019
We are incredibly saddened to learn of coaching legend Jim Margraff’s passing. Our thoughts are with the Margraff family and the entire @JHU_Football program.
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) January 2, 2019