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Johnny Orr Obituary
His death was confirmed Tuesday by Iowa State, where Orr led the Cyclones to a school-record 218 wins from 1980 until 1994.
Orr spent 29 seasons as a Division I coach. Twelve were at Michigan, where he guided the Wolverines to four NCAA tournament berths, the national title game in 1976 and 209 wins, the most in the school history.
Orr also spent three seasons at Massachusetts. The energetic and charismatic Orr finished with a career record of 466-346 and 10 NCAA tournament appearances.
"He was my hero," said Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg, who grew up in Ames and played for three years under Orr.
Orr left UMass for Michigan and spent one season as an assistant before taking over as head coach in 1968.
Orr was twice named the Big Ten's coach of the year. In 1976, Orr was honored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) as its national coach of the year, and the Wolverines won the league title the following season.
"The Michigan Basketball program is saddened by the passing of Johnny Orr today," Michigan coach John Beilein said. "Johnny was a tremendous person and basketball coach. We will always value the many positives he brought to both the University of Michigan and college basketball in general."
Orr made the jump to Iowa State, then a struggling program, before the 1980-81 season and guided the program to its first NCAA tournament berth in 41 years in 1985.
A year later, Orr led the Cyclones in the Sweet Sixteen by beating Michigan. Iowa State would go on to reach the NCAA tournament four more times under Orr, whose up-tempo style and outgoing personality is viewed as the catalyst for the program's fervent following.
Orr would enter Hilton Coliseum to the "Tonight Show" theme and a trademark fist pump, helping cultivate a tremendous home-court advantage for the Cyclones. Iowa State beat 20 ranked opponents at home under Orr, who was honored with a statue inside the arena in 2011.
Orr coached 18 players who went on to the NBA, including Hoiberg and Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek.
"As a kid, just to see him walk out of that tunnel was what you waited for on game nights. Just to see his enthusiasm and passion. He was a father figure to so many of us. He impacted so many lives and made all of us better people. Not only was he a great basketball coach, he was even a better person," Hoiberg said.
Orr, who was born in Taylorville, Ill., is survived by his wife, Romie, and daughters Jennifer, Leslie and Rebecca.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
_______________
LUKE MEREDITH, AP Sports Writer
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
50 Entries
Don Clewell
July 1, 2025
I knew Johnny years ago when I lived in Connecticut. He was my high school basketball coach when I lived in Darien. He was a great coach and led us to a state championship in 1959, I not only learned a lot about basketball from him but I learned a lot about life itself. He was a great man. I only recently learned of his passing and my heart goes out to his family. Don Clewell of Ann Arbor Michigan......retired faculty. University of Michigan. July 2025.
Don Clewell
June 29, 2025
John was my highschool basketball coach in Darien CT. I was not very good but I made the varsity and he led to us to a state campionship. I only recently learned of his passing and my heart goes out to his family. Don Clewell Ann Arbor Michigan. Retired faculty University of Michigan. June 2025.
Harry Simpson
December 30, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
How you can show support
January 29, 2014
you are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing...pslm.145:16...sincere sympathy
January 23, 2014
Dear Romie,
I was so sorry to hear about Johnny. He was a wonderful role model for me, and had a positive influence on my career and life. It was a good time in Dubuque.
Sincerely,
Tom and Michele Johnson
Fair Oaks, CA
Dwaine Brown
January 6, 2014
As a student at ISU from '82-86, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand the positive impact he had. I appreciate how hard he worked to leave the basketball program and the university in better shape than it had been when he arrived. He always had class and my respect.
January 6, 2014
hey coach thanks for the memories, a true character and a nice man. hope the putts are falling! mike hall, jean and the St Andrews crew.
January 5, 2014
God bless you, Johnny. We loved you.
Bill & Jeanne Tiedeman
Bill Colburn
January 5, 2014
We will miss Johnny Orr. He was a great (people person) and one of the greatest story tellers of all times. Bill and Colette Colburn
Thomas Miller
January 4, 2014
I was out of country when I recieved the news of the loss your family suffered.....My most memorable round of golf was with Johnny along with my college friends who watch and cheered on the Cyclones in the late 80's...my wife bid on a cancer benifit round with Johnny.....best surprise she has ever given me....I share with all of my children what it was like during that time in Cyclone Basketball history...it was awesome! I have enjoyed watching video and reading the memories of a great man!
Karen Steinaway-Bowen
January 4, 2014
My family and I have wonderful memories with you at Good Shepard! Of course Mom and Dad attended many basketball games as loyal followers at Michigan. Now Dad is with your husband and father, still cheering him on! Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Steinaway Family
January 4, 2014
So sorry for Your loss a life is very precious to God.
Dick Hallman
January 3, 2014
I would never forget those days in the late 40's at Beloit,the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and fun times. Also, the visit with Johnny and Romie and some weekend golf in Dubuque,Iowa. Great guy, great couple.
Meg Barker
January 3, 2014
It's probably difficult for outsiders to understand the heartache we Cyclone fans feel over the loss of our beloved Coach. It's impossible to explain to them what it was like to be in Hilton Coliseum for Johnny's fist-pumping entrance - or after a big win when he would look at the crowd and raise a fist in celebration. I would run to the car after games just so I could listen to Johnny and Pete on the radio. Good or bad, Coach called it as it was - praising good play but never sugarcoating a bad loss. And we loved him for it. Johnny was larger than life, but always had time to talk to a fan. I had the privilege of visiting with him briefly after his retirement, and my autographed copy of "Here's Johnny" is one of my prized possessions.
I know that the loss I feel is nothing compared to what you, his family members, are going through. Thank you so much for sharing your husband, father, and grandfather with us all these years. I hope that the outpouring of love from Johnny's friends, colleagues, players, and fans brings you some measure of comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Larry Slaughter
January 3, 2014
Our daughter was Captain of the Pom squad Johhny's last year at I.S.U. He was so good to the squad and so protective of them. He was a Great Man.
January 3, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
January 3, 2014
Thank you Johnny, 2Timothy 4:7-I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith….God is saying: Matthew 25:21-“Well done, good and faithful servant! RIP Johnny, and may God surround your entire family during this time with his Love & Strength.
Doug Drake
January 3, 2014
Thanks for the memories COACH!!!
I treasure my autographed Johnny Orr book.Sincere condolences to the family.
Donna Hampton
January 3, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Orr family. RIP
Gary and Vicki Owens
January 2, 2014
My father bought four season tickets to ISU men's basketball when Johnny was hired to coach ISU. We still have those four seats today and cherish every memory of those great years with Johnny as our coach. Whether entering Hilton, speaking at the summer banquets, or conversing after the games with Pete Taylor and Eric Heft, Johnny always left us smiling. His favorite expressions and memorable games will live with us forever just like the Hilton Magic that he created. Thank you Johnny!
Michael Reilly
January 2, 2014
Romie, Jennifer, Leslie and Becky my thoughts and prayers are with you and John. John's life is so full of accomplishments. I will remember him for his humanity. I can not begin to describe the impact Johnny had on so many charitable activities. He enhanced the lives of so many children and adults through his many efforts. He will be missed but we all have had the honor to be in the company of a special humanitarian.
Mike Reilly
January 2, 2014
Johnny the greatest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wayne Orr Family,Taylorville, Illinois
Venice Johnson-Hunter
January 2, 2014
My condolence to the family. Job 33:25 gives us hope of things to come. My prayers are with you during this time.
Victor Checketts
January 2, 2014
A true gentleman and great coach has left us. Johnny was a credit to the game and coached so many of the greats of the game. Michigan and Iowa State are much the better having this legend coach their fine programs. Now Johnny is coaching again for a greater team now. May our dear loving Savior comfort and bless his family during this sad time. Rest in Peace coach and thank you for your career, you are a credit to the game.
January 1, 2014
My deepest sympathy may God words bring you comfort during this time.He will actually swallow up death forever, and certainly wipe the tears from all faces
Is. 25:8
Jack & Dianne Blazek
January 1, 2014
We loved you! We have many memories of you and Romie. Continue to coach the Cyclones from Heaven with Pete calling the game.
Sincerely...Jack and Dianne Blazek
January 1, 2014
My condolences to the family.
May the God of comfort give you strength to cope with your loss.
LewEllen Erickson
January 1, 2014
He was a friend and mentor to many. I know he was one of my father's longest and dearest friends. Thoughts and prayers are with the Orr family. May God give you strength and support during this difficult time.
Joe Modderman
January 1, 2014
We love you Coach, thanks for the passion you brought to life and the game.
January 1, 2014
May God give you strength, support and comfort during this difficult time? Be assured of his deep love and concern for you. 1 JOHN 4:9, 10, 19.
With My Deepest Sympathy,
Paul Wixom
January 1, 2014
I forgot to sign my name to my post..Paul Wixom,Rockford,Il posted 1/1/14
January 1, 2014
COACH ORR WAS MY COACH AND TEACHER AT MILTON UNION HIGH SCHOOL IN WIS.HE WAS MY INSPIRATION TO BECOME A TEACHER.I LATTER WORKED WITH DOLPH STANLY AT AUBURN HIGH IN ROCKFORD IL AND HAD MANY TALKS ABOUT WHAT A GOOD PERSON JOH WAS.I WILL SAY A PRAYER FOR JOHN.I REMEMBER HIS NASH RAMBLER!
DStallings
January 1, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Yolanda Cole
December 31, 2013
Loosing someone is never easy to deal with. You have my sincere condolences during this difficult time.
l harris
December 31, 2013
I would like to extend my sorrow to the family and friends. I hope you all find courage from acts24:15. One day you and your love ones will unite again.
Deborah
December 31, 2013
Condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time. Mat you have comfort and peace. Philip 4:7
December 31, 2013
Please accept my condolences for your loss. John 5:28
Christina
December 31, 2013
May the Great God of Comfort be with the Orr family during this difficult time. (2Corintians 1:3,4)
joaquim-rodrigues-redeemer barbosa
December 31, 2013
condolences-rip
Butch
December 31, 2013
With heavy hearts and with our deepest sympathy, the Carter family is thinking of you during your time of sorrow. As you hold closely the cherished memories that you shared with Johnny, may God comfort you and grant you inner peace while you "await the hour in which all those in the memorial tomb will hear Jesus' voice and come out." Today, we are remembering Johnny Orr, one of the greatest, and offering our depth-less gratitude for his love for the game and his wholesouled commitment to the young men he coached.
G. Alexander
December 31, 2013
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. Treasure the special times spent with Johnny as you draw strength from the love of family and friends. Also, may God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. Psalms 119:50,76
December 31, 2013
To the family
My deep condolences.
Soon God promises to bring an complete end to death and pain.
India
December 31, 2013
I am very sorry for loss. During this time turning to God and his word the Bible can be a great source of comfort. Act 24:15 shows that your love one has the hope to love again. I offer my condolences during this sad time.
"Nord" (John) Nordlinger
December 31, 2013
Romie & Girls--I so fondly remember your days in Ann Arbor when you were at Scarlett and John was a Wolverine. He generously provided guidance to me when we were searching for a basketball coach at Huron High School. The basketball (and golf) world lost a giant and you lost a great husband and father. May he rest in peace.
December 31, 2013
Johnny Orr was ALWAYS a class act---RIP
Mike Fufla
December 31, 2013
A true professional who will be missed by all.
Katie Ford
December 31, 2013
To the family I want to extend my prayers and thoughts to you for your loss. I hope you know there are so many behind you at this time not only because Johnny was a legend with Iowa State, but because he was a good person with a good heart.
B Lucas
December 31, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Johnny, your dear loved one. I grew up watching his team Michigan play Indiana the team I liked, but I loved his way of coaching. May your fond thoughts of him bring back good memories. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you all show. (John) (JAH)
T T
December 31, 2013
I am sorry for the loss of such an extraordinary person. He was a living legend and will be greatly missed.
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