James (Jim) Coffey, 84, of Redding, CT, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Jim was born in Danbury and attended St. Peter School. He later moved to Bethel where he graduated from Bethel High School in 1957. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fairfield University and began his 40-year career in education teaching English and later as guidance counselor and coach at Bethel High School. Jim spent the next 20 years in North Salem, NY as Director of Guidance, before moving to Horace Greely High School in Chappaqua, NY, and ultimately retired as the principal at Mamaroneck High School, NY.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eleanor (Corey) Coffey, and two sons, Christopher Coffey of Norwalk and Jim Coffey and his wife Lisa of Westborough, MA. He was also “Papa” to his two cherished grandchildren James and Emily Coffey. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother Robert Coffey and his wife Caren, and his brother-in-law M. John Corey.
Jim was a lifelong passionate Red Sox fan, and a die hard fan of the men’s and women’s UConn Huskies basketball teams. He was also an avid golfer, loved to travel and enjoyed watching the hummingbirds that frequented his backyard feeders. More than anything, time spent with his family was precious to him.
Jim was a pro bono facilitator for the Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group at Ann’s Place for two decades. He spent countless hours meeting with and supporting men who were newly diagnosed, at a treatment crossroads, or dying. His compassion and empathy helped grow the program to be the most attended group Ann’s Place has ever offered. He was beloved by the hundreds of men who participated in the group while he led it.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Church, 26 Dodgingtown Rd., Bethel.
Committal will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave. Ext., Danbury.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 3 to 6 PM at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Ann’s Place, 80 Saw Mill Rd., Danbury, CT 06810 or online: www.annsplace.org/donate or Matthew 25 at 52 Queen St., Worcester, MA 01610 or online at www.matt25.org .
The family wishes to thank the staff and aides at Maplewood of Newtown, as well as the care team from Regional Hospice for their exceptional care of Jim over the last 7 months.
