WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of James J. McDonald, age 77, of Waterbury, shares the news of his peaceful passing on Friday, January 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on January 2, 1949, the son of the late Thomas and Catherine (Donahue) McDonald. One of six children, he grew up in a close family. He was educated in local schools and earned his teaching degree at Southern Connecticut State University.Jim was an avid horseman in his younger years, spending countless hours at Rosehurst Stable in Middlebury where he trained horses and gave riding lessons. He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1967-1971. In 1972 he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam from 1969-1971. Upon leaving the service, he was employed for over 30 years in education, teaching physical education at North End Middle School. In1976 Jim became the first boys soccer coach at Holy Cross High School, where he led the program for28 years. He had great success as a coach, winning 12 league championships and numerous local and state coaching awards. He was known by opposing coaches as a man of great sportsmanship and dignity. He prided himself on teaching his players lifelong values and turning them into fine young men. However, nothing was more important to Jim than being a devoted father to his three sons. Many of their special memories together came on annual family trips to Cape Cod.

Left to cherish and honor his memory are his sons, Ryan, Colin, and Brendan McDonald of Waterbury and Brooklyn, NY, his ex-wife Denise McDonald of Waterbury, his sister, Cathleen McDonald of South Portland, Maine, his brother, Edward McDonald and his wife Mary of Southbury, his sister-in-law, Nadine McDonald of Waterbury and his sister-in-law, Cheryl McDonald of Naugatuck. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by three of his siblings, Timothy McDonald, Thomas McDonald, and Ann Ellis.

Funeral services for Mr. McDonald will be held privately at the convenience of his family. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1987 East Main St Waterbury CT 06705 has been honored to care for the McDonald family during this difficult time.To honor James' memory and in lieu of flowers, contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to a charity of the donor's choice in his name would be greatly appreciated by his family. To send a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you, please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com.