McGuinness, James T.

ALBANY — James T. McGuinness, age 83, passed away on November 30, 2021.

Born in Queens, Jim was the son of the late Mary and William McGuinness of Merrick, Long Island. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly; three children, Susan McGuinness, San Diego (Kent Panter), Michael McGuinness of Cary, N.C., and Stephen McGuinness of Albuquerque, N.M.; two grandchildren, Mackenzie "France" and Michael McGuinness of Cary, N.C.; sister, Jane Treftz of London, England; three nieces, one nephew, and many extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, William and John.

Jim graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, and Manhattan College in Riverdale, N.Y. Jim and Bev were married on November 5, 1960, in St. Jude the Apostle in Wynantskill. He started his career as a structural engineer for the New York State Bureau of Bridges in Albany and in the early 1960s, moved to Merrick, Long Island where he and Bev raised their family. Jim worked hard in all his pursuits. On his daily commute to Manhattan he took up chess and soon became a rated tournament player. He was an avid runner, well known in the running community as a tough competitor in races and marathons including New York, Boston, Long Island, Atlantic City and Mexico City.

Always on the move, he was the man to fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds of long-distance run. In the 1970s, Jim co-founded and coached the CYO Boys’ and Girls’ Track Teams for Cure of Ars School, where his children attended. He was a kind, patient, and encouraging coach who inspired young runners with his love of the sport. After Jim and Bev moved back upstate in the 1990s, Jim was active in community organizations, local politics, the Mohawk Hudson Road Runners and Cycling Clubs, and he even won a national spelling bee with a team from his engineering firm.

Over his 45-year career, he designed bridges, power plants, buildings, and was one of many engineers who designed the World Trade Center. The WTC engineers were recognized among the heroes of 9/11 for the amazing Towers that remained standing long enough to save thousands of lives. After retiring from engineering in 2005, Jim remained active in running, cycling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jim and Bev moved to Shaker Pointe in 2015 and shared many great times with new friends. Faced with a debilitating long-term illness, Jim met his challenges with grace and dignity and, as ever, he did his best. Jim’s greatest gifts were his humility, integrity, and kindness. These defined his life above and beyond his achievements as an elite athlete, successful engineer, and active community member. All who knew him are blessed with the memory of his kind heart and gentle spirit.

The family would like to thank Nicole Parslow and Team One Care for their excellent care in Jim’s final days, The Community Hospice of Albany, and especially Sister Mary Ann Rodgers for her kindness and support throughout Jim’s illness.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Jude the Apostle Church, 43 Brookside Ave., Wynantskill on Saturday, April 30, at 11 on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately by the family.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Bright Horizons Colonie, The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany, NY, 12205, or select Bright Horizons on the gift website https:// colonieseniors.org/ product/make-a-gift.

To leave a special message of condolence for the family, please visit www. NewComerAlbany.com