James Fitzgerald Cooney ("Jim"), 89, passed away on August 12, 2026, in West Kingston, RI, with his wife, Marilyn, and sister Agnes by his side. Born in Providence on September 20, 1936, Jim was the fifth of twelve children of Judge John Philip Cooney and Margaret Fitzgerald Cooney. His life was rooted in his faith, his love of family, his pride in being a Rhode Islander, and his devotion to the Deaf community.

Jim grew up in a lively, close-knit family and attended Holy Name School and LaSalle Academy, where he excelled in football and basketball, before earning his bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross. A friendship with the janitor at the nearby Rhode Island School for the Deaf (RISD) opened a gym window-and ultimately the door to Jim's calling. He spent 35 years at RISD as a teacher, coach, and administrator, earning a master's degree from Gallaudet University. At RISD, he met Marilyn Arnold, a kindergarten teacher. They married on July 8, 1972, and raised Brendan, Erin, and Ryan with joy, faith, humor, and strong family ties.

Jim was a gifted coach and athletic director, leading championship basketball and track teams and coaching successful athletes in four Deaf Olympics. His RISD teams proudly demonstrated "DEAF CAN DO!!!" In 2001, Jim and Marilyn answered a call to serve at Gospel School for the Deaf in Fiji, where Jim directed the school for nearly 20 years. Together, they welcomed volunteers and worked with teachers and children in Fiji, sharing their knowledge, faith, and love, and coming to love the people and community they served.

Jim's roots were firmly in Rhode Island, but his life took him around the world. From RISD to Fiji, he met people where they were and helped them see their potential. Wherever he went, Jim brought the same kindness, humor, humility, and genuine interest in people. He traveled far but remained unmistakably himself.

Family remained Jim's greatest joy. Summers and holidays at Hundred Acre Pond were filled with grandchildren, friends, good food, and treasured gatherings. Jim was known for his clam cakes in summer and his Christmas Eve eggnog. His final summer brought him immense happiness as he watched his whole family together, calling one perfect day-which also included a Red Sox win-"un-improvable."

Jim is survived by Marilyn; children Brendan (Julia), Erin (Garth), and Ryan (Mary); grandchildren Ella, Lucy, Mae, Annaliese, and Benjamin; brother Terrence (Joanne); and sisters Agnes and Kathleen.

Calling hours are Friday, August 21, 4-6 p.m., at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at Christ Church, 1025 Main Street, East Greenwich.

Memorial donations may be made to Fiji Deaf Ministry through CMML, Inc., PO Box 13, Spring Lake, NJ 07762-0013 (memo: "Fiji Deaf Ministry"), or to Friends of the RI School for the Deaf, c/o RISD, One Corliss Park, Providence, RI 02908 (memo: "Athletics" or "Close Up").