Obituary of James Joseph McDonough

It is with broken hearts that the family announces the passing of James “Jim” Joseph McDonough, of Fredericton, NB, at the age of 81. With a positive and upbeat attitude, Jim fought a brave and courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully on April 18, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB, surrounded by his loving family.  

Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Arthur and Nellie (Geneau) McDonough; mother-in-law, Rowena (Smith) Pitre; father-in-law, Alvin “Pete” Pitre; sisters, Phyllis Hind, Marlene Long; brother, Peter McDonough; brother-in-law, Terry Flanagan, and nephew Trevor McDonough.  

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Darlene (Pitre) McDonough; daughter, Barb McAloon (Tom Demerson); son, Brian McDonough (Michelle); grandchildren, Harmony, Codey, Karissa, Dakota; siblings, Frankie McDonough (Judy), Carolyn Mazerolle (Ricky), Judy Randall (Bobby), Donny McDonough, Sandra McDonough, Nancy McDonough; sisters-in-law, Nadine (Pitre) Flanagan and Nancy (Bodechon) McDonough; brothers-in-law, Brian Pitre (Iris), Richard Foley and Dave Long; many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as his cherished puppy, Lily.  

Jim met his wife, Darlene on her 19th birthday and quickly realized she was his one true love. A year later they were married at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church in Fredericton, NB, and together they had a beautiful life and raised an adoring family. Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the world to him, and his grandchildren were the absolute light of his life. 

A kind and gentle man with an easy sense-of-humour, a gift for practical jokes, good natured teasing, and a big booming belly laugh that filled the room. He lived life to the fullest and was always happiest when surrounded by his family – whether it was large family gatherings with his siblings and their families, laughing and reminiscing about their adventures (and mischief) growing up, or sharing meals and stories with his wife, children, and grandchildren – that big belly laugh was always there. 

He worked at Billings Mechanical in Fredericton, NB, from 1974 until 1981, when he went to CFB Gagetown. He worked there as a stationary engineer at the heating plant until he retired in 2008. 

Jim was an avid golfer. In the summer, you could find him at the golf course for a quick round before work and, on most days, another round after work. He loved the game and the friends he made on the course. He received two “hole-in-one” trophies that he was very proud of. Also, he was very humble about them; whenever he was asked about them, he would laugh it off and say they were just lucky shots. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for providing such exceptional care. The care and compassion you provided was very much appreciated. 

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at McAdam’s Funeral Home from 2 pm - 4 pm and 6 pm - 8 pm. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.