James Margolis
American fencer (1936–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Arthur Margolis (July 17, 1936 – May 13, 2025) was an American Olympic épée fencer.[1]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Arthur Margolis |
| Born | July 17, 1936 New York, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 13, 2025 (aged 88) White Plains, New York, U.S. |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Fencing |
Event | Epee |
| College team | Columbia University |
Early life
Fencing career
He fenced for the Columbia Lions fencing team. Margolis was the 1957 NCAA épée champion, as well as the 1957 IFA champion, fencing as a junior for Columbia University, from which he graduated in 1958.[2][6][7][4] He was All-Ivy League in 1957 and 1958, All-American in 1957, and Eastern Champion in épée in 1957.[4] He then joined the U.S. Navy, and became a Lieutenant.[8]
In 1960, Margolis placed third in epee at the Amateur Fencers League of America (AFLA) national tournament.[1]
Margolis also competed on behalf of the United States in the individual and team épée events at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.[9] He was the Ivy League's first Olympian in fencing.[10]
He competed in the 1960 Pan American Games.[7] Margolis won a gold medal in team épée at the 1963 Pan American Games.[11]
Margolis was inducted into the Columbia University Athletics Hall of Fame.[7]
After his fencing career concluded, Margolis worked in the life insurance business for 40 years, and served as manager at the Brookline Emergency Food Pantry, a food shelter for individuals, families, and seniors in need.[7]
Death
Margolis died on May 13, 2025 in White Plains, New York, at the age of 88.[12]
