James Donald Tenney, 80, of Naugatuck, Connecticut, died at his home the morning of April 11, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with many illnesses.

He was born January 9, 1943, to Edith M. Tenney and Donald H. Tenney at Danbury Hospital.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Sandy Hook. He played varsity soccer and basketball at Newtown High School, where he graduated in 1961. He attended the University of Bridgeport, where he continued his soccer career. He was also an infantry sergeant in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1969.

Jim started his career in banking as a teller at the Brookfield branch of Connecticut National Bank. After advancing through various positions at CNB, he was a charter member and senior vice president at the Wilton Bank from 1988 until his retirement in 2013. He was also an active member of the United Way and Lions Club in the Wilton community.

Jim was an avid fan of baseball, football, and basketball, especially the New York Mets and Giants, and the UCONN Huskies. He enjoyed backyard sports, boating and waterskiing, and stock car and drag racing. He was an automotive enthusiast his entire life, and especially loved his Corvettes and Mustangs. He was a family man and devoted father who loved his wife and children above all else.

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Edith, and his sister, Donna, as well as several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Naugatuck; his son, Brian, of Shelton; his daughter, Kelly, of Monroe; his sister, Judy, of Roxbury; and his brother, Steve, of Sandy Hook; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jim’s family is immeasurably grateful for the exceptional care, boundless compassion, and multiple miracles provided by nurses, doctors, and staff, especially at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Yale New Haven Hospital, St Vincent’s Medical Center, and Davita Kidney Care.

Calling hours will be held at Honan Funeral Home in Newtown, Connecticut, from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, April 21. A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, at 11 am on Saturday, April 22. Burial will be private.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or any animal rescue organization.