James R. McKenna ’54

James R. McKenna, Rye, NH and formerly of Littleton, MA, died November 23, 2023.

During high school, Jim contracted polio and had to relearn how to walk, establishing his fighting spirit that he carried with him throughout his life. Jim was raised and educated in Concord, MA, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He then attended St. Bonaventure University and Saint Michael’s on a full football scholarship. In college he majored in philosophy and was active in Air Force ROTC. After college he joined the Army in the Intelligence Division and was stationed in Germany for three years. Later, Jim attended graduate school at UMass Amherst and Fitchburg State College and received his master’s in health and physical education. He also was a retired USTA teaching pro for many summers, both at Abenaqui Tennis Club in Rye Beach, NH, and Sea Coast Tennis Club in Hampton, NH.

Jim started his teaching and coaching careers at North Middlesex Regional High School and Ayer High School, but is best remembered for being the athletic director, physical education teacher, and coach at Littleton (MA) High School. He began teaching in Littleton in 1964 and soon established Littleton’s first football team. Jim was immensely proud to be inducted into the Massachusetts Coaches Hall of Fame and to Concord High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jim retired in 1988 from Littleton and went on to work with troubled youths for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services and the Boston Archdiocese through Alpha Omega House.

He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Martha, He is survived by three sons, five daughters and extended family.