James E. "Coach" Donley Sr.

James E. "Coach" Donley Sr.
April 25, 1947 — November 13, 2025
Waterloo, IL
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

More of Jim's life infomation
High School - St. Louis U High 1965
SEMO class of 1969
Teacher/coach at Orchard Farm HS
Teacher at Mt. Providence grade school
Teacher/coach at Mercy HS
Teacher/coach at St. Mary's HS
Coach at CBC HS
Coach at Washington University in St. Louis

Jim was not on the track team he played football, he lived in the Track house and eveyone knew him.

Comments from those knew and loved him.

Lester Williams
I mostly remember Jim as being as strong as an ox and having to buy a new toothbrush every week because he would completely wear down their bristles.