Obituary of James P. McGuinness

James P. McGuinness (Jim), age 74, of the Villages, FL, went to be with Jesus and predeceased family and friends on November 7, 2019. He was born on August 20, 1945 in New York City to Irish immigrant parents Jack McGuinness (County Meath) and Mary Cusack (County Galway). He attended St. Gregory’s Grammar School, Cardinal Hayes High School and Iona College. Jim spent most of his working career in Westchester, NY and Danbury, CT in Human Resource Management positions at Union Carbide and Perkin-Elmer Corporations.

He fought a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer for 14 years. He never gave up the fight and persevered throughout many setbacks. He had a passion and zest for life, a strong and enduring faith, and an air of positivity that left him with no regrets. He was the life of every party and lit up every room he walked into. He will be missed beyond measure.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 52 years, Jeanne (Gina). He leaves behind four adoring children: Gail (Ron) Wallin, of Brookfield, CT; Brian McGuinness of Somers, CT; Alison Manzo of Bellingham, WA and Doug (Raffaela) McGuinness of Danvers, MA. He was a proud Poppy to 10 amazing grandchildren: Jack, Carly, and Luke Wallin; Grace and Logan McGuinness; Kira, Teagan and Xela Manzo; and Tyler and Chase McGuinness. He is also survived by his brother John and sisters Theresa and Ann. He was pre-deceased by his brother Andy and sister Marie.

Jim loved living in the Villages since 2011 and especially enjoyed playing softball, bowling, golf, and table shuffleboard. He was most proud of convincing the Villages Recreation Department to buy the first Shuffleboard table in the Eisenhower Rec Center. He was a volunteer van driver for the Disabled American Veterans Shuttle to the Gainesville Veterans Hospital. He also volunteered at Cornerstone Hospice and was a minister to the sick at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 11 am on Tuesday, November 26, 2019.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Connecticut.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the Jimmy V Foundation (www.jimmyv.org) or to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care (www.cshospice.org).  

Arrangements entrusted with HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162. Sentiments may be left online at http://www.hiers-baxley.com.