- Date Of Birth: May 8, 1947
- Date Of Death: November 23, 2008
- State: Connecticut
James Michael McNiff, age 61 of Orange passed away Sunday, November 23, 2008 at Bridgeport Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late James McNiff and Mildred Fausel McNiff. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him. A graduate of the University of New Haven, he was an administrator at Western Connecticut State University for the last 25 years. His most recent position was Director of the Student Center where he enjoyed daily interaction with the students. A great lover of sports, he was always willing to drop everything for a game of hoops, softball or golf. He was a faithful spectator or coach at all of his children’s sporting events. He was a well respected coach in Stratford Little League, Sterling House Basketball, Stratford PAL Softball, and St. Mark’s Basketball. More recently it was one of his greatest joys to participate on the same teams as his adult children in basketball and softball. “Big Jim” will be sadly missed by his loving family and large circle of friends. He brought humor and joy to every event. In recent years he enjoyed trips to Europe with friends and family. He and his wife celebrated their last anniversary in Paris. Survivors include his beloved wife of 37 years Mary O’Leary McNiff, daughter Sarah Conroy and husband Michael Conroy of Stratford, son James McNiff, Jr. of Stratford, daughter Megan McNiff of Orange, grandchildren Mary Grace and Patrick Conroy, sister Margaret McEachern of Monroe, brother Patrick McNiff and wife Melanie of Irvine, CA, sister-in-law Patricia O’Leary of Ivoryton, brother-in-law John O’Leary and wife Karen of Stratford, brother-in-law Thomas O’Leary and wife Janice of Merritt, NC, brother-in-law James O’Leary and wife Tanya of Norwalk and several nieces and nephews.
