Obituary of James T. McDonald
In Memory of James T. McDonald
1948 - 2020
Jim McDonald passed away in his home, with loved ones by his side, on Wednesday afternoon, November 18th, at the age of 72. The world lost a longtime skilled musician, teacher, patron of animals, lover of the beach, rock n' roll historian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Jim was born on June 17th,1948 in Bridgeport. He attended St. Patrick's Grammar School and Notre Dame High School. He graduated from Sacred Heart University with a BA in English and the University of Bridgeport as a Reading Consultant. He later went on to get a Sixth Year as a Language Arts Facilitator. At SHU he met the love of his life, Therese Barros McDonald, whom he married in 1972.
Jim taught for 39 years both in Bridgeport and Stamford CT. When retired, he worked as an Easton Animal Control Officer and a Reading and English as a Second Language Tutor.
"Jimmy Mac" bought his first electric bass as a young teen with money he had saved up from his paper route. He did not have enough money for an amplifier and he had to turn the instrument upside down to play it since he was left-handed. This caused others to laugh, however his passion for music carried him and he played on. His band The Techniques won the WICC Battle of the Bands in 1966, beating out 300 statewide contestants. He never stopped playing "gigs" with many local area bands until the pandemic hit in March.
Jim was predeceased by his parents James and Elizabeth Rajotte McDonald. He is survived by his wife Therese of 48 years and their children Michael, his wife Gwen; Scott, his wife Hilary; and daughter Emilie. His grandchildren Nolan James, Luke, Genevieve, Graham and Caleb James. His loving sister Christine McDonald Cook, her husband Dan, and his several nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his dogs Tex and Jeter. Due to the concerns about social gatherings affecting us all at this time, a private mass was held for immediate family at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church in Trumbull, Jim's parish of 46 years.
Dear friends, please visit and add to this online site we have created to share memories and reflect on the special moments lived with Jim: https://memories.lifeweb360.com/james-t-mcdonald. All your thoughts, stories, photos, songs, and videos are gratefully welcomed. The family has designated: Yale Interstitial Lung Disease Program, c/o Dr. Antin-Ozerkis Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, PO Box 208057, New Haven, CT 06520-8057 and Easton Animal Shelter, 700 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT 06612 for those who wish to make memorial contributions in Jim's name. Arrangements entrusted to Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull, CT.