James E. "Coach" Donley Sr.

James E. "Coach" Donley Sr., 78, of Waterloo, IL, died November 13, 2025, in Waterloo, IL. He was born April 25, 1947, in St. Louis, MO.

He is survived by his wife Tanna R. (nee Farney) Donley; "Papa" to Becky (Kevin) Miles, Catie (Steve) Smith, Terry (Andy) Bine, Patty (Bryan) Donley, and Jim Donley Jr.; grandchildren John, JJ, Katie, A.J., Danny, Cooper, Bianca, Riley, Kody, Emma, Maria, Caleb, and Nathan; nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Mary T. Kinsey; parents William James and Anne C. (nee Berns) Donley; and sister Anne Marie Barks.

Jim was a man of unwavering Catholic faith. He put God first in everything he did. Second was his family, his greatest pride and joy, who he so deeply loved. He was a Hall of Fame coach who touched many lives throughout his long coaching career. His legacy will live on in the broken hearts he leaves behind. His deep love and passion for helping others will never be forgotten.

He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Church in Waterloo, IL and a retired teacher and football coach.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
Donor's Choice

Visitation:
9:15 AM to 10:15 AM Thursday, November 20, 2025 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo, IL

Funeral Mass:
10:30 AM Thursday, November 20, 2025 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo, IL
Interment will follow at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Waterloo, IL