James F. "Jim" Cockroft

I rowed with Jimmy at LSCH and at Marist and, then again, as seniors at the HOCR. Jim´s constant advocacy for the Marist rowing program helped me and dozens of other alums reconnect many years after graduation. He was a community builder, a dependable teammate, a gentleman.

When I took the position as the men's coach at Marist in 2016, Jim was the first alumni oarsman I met. Since that moment he has been a constant presence in the team. Jim was not our largest financial contributor but his willingness to share his energy and his time with this team was unmatched. This past season he attended every single race in our regular season, often arriving well before the team to send ahead early updates on conditions to the coaches. Having coached for over 25 years now I can confirm that his level of engagement was surpassingly rare. Not one oarsman or coxswain has graduated from Marist in the 10 year I have been here without knowing Jim on a first name basis. He is going to be deeply missed by the entire team both the current crew and the many generations of the Red Fox Navy who had grown accustomed to his constant presence and enthusiasm for this team. We'll be missing Jim this year for the first time but I am certain that where ever he is, he'll be watching and cheering for his Red Foxes

On behalf of myself and the entire Red Fox Nation we want to send all of our love and sympathy to Jim's family and friends for the loss of an extraordinary man.