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In memory of

Jim "Big Chief" McGoldrick

San Jose, CA
1953 - September 21, 2025
1953 - Sep 21, 2025
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Jim was such a helpful and humble person.He always helped me with small corrections in the my posture which made big difference always happy and fun. I am surely gonna miss him. Rest in peace Jim 
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I really enjoyed working with Jim as my personal trainer, and counted him as a friend too. He was a great guy and I will really miss him!
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Rest in peace, Jim. Thank you for your knowledge and guidance in my rehab.
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The Caledonian Club of San Fr…
2015, 150th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games
The Caledonian Club of San Francisco sends heartfelt condolences to Jim's family and friends. Jim was a beloved competitor and welcome presence at our annual Scottish Games for many a year. May he Rest In Peace.
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Big Chief's Strong Man Contes…
Big Chief's Strong Man Contestants
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Jim was a great presence at the Cisco LifeConnections facility. He always went out of his way to compliment my rowing and weightlifting, and truly championed motivating people to better themselves and pursue health through fitness. My thoughts and prayers to his family. May his memory be a blessing ❤️
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Chief presenting the Women’s …
2023
Chief presenting the Women’s World Championships trophy to me at the Pleasanton Highland Games.
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Ron McKee and Big Chief at th…
2018
Ron McKee and Big Chief at the Pleasanton Highland Games.
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Chief with the McKee girls, L…
2017
Chief with the McKee girls, Lindsay and Meagan.
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L to R: Jim's brother Don, mo…
1966, Orofino, ID, USA
L to R: Jim's brother Don, mother Marie, brother Steve, father Brian and Jim - what is Jim up to?
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I met Jim at Cisco's building Q, fitness center.  He was my second trainer there. His no-nonsense style was intimidating at first, but soon he warmed up and had fun making his own jokes with us as well.  I'll always remember feeling that I needed 'another second' to rest or get a drink of water between sets but Jim was always there with his, Okay, I'm ready, meaning we should get moving.  He helped me improve at the rowing machine and getting through a spin class was getting easier due to his encouragement.  Unfortunately, Covid put an end to our sessions as I never made it back into the gym at Cisco.  I did often think of him though, we would chat here and there on FB, and I was lucky enough to see him at the health center one afternoon.  We had a good chat before he was off to train a client.  I'm so very grateful to have known Jim.  He was a good, kind human and I'm so glad that he was part of my journey.  Thank you Jim. You will be missed and always remembered with love.
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My condolences to the family. Jim was a wonderful man. He was my trainer at the Cisco gym for many years abs taught me everything I know about Olympic lifting. He always demanded a lot and always gave his best. He will be sorely missed. 

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Our Deepest Condolences to Don McGoldrick & family.  We have heard  stories of Jim's sports from our Brother-In-Law, Don.  May Jim RIP.  

Enrique Lopez & Margaret Soto

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Jim's High School graduation …
1971, Orofino, ID, USA
Jim's High School graduation picture
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After the games with Brian (J…
1994, Portland Highland Games
After the games with Brian (Jim's dad) and Jim. A friend and fellow competitor (Dave?) in the background. (The year is a guestimate)
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Ben Plunkett, Jim's mother Ma…
1995, California
Ben Plunkett, Jim's mother Marie, Jim at Pleasanton Highland Games
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Brian (Jim's dad), Steve (Jim…
1994, Portland Highland Games
Brian (Jim's dad), Steve (Jim's brother), Jim, Don (Jim's brother)
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Jim at his father's memorial.…
2018, Orofino ID at his father's funeral
Jim at his father's memorial. Left to right Jim, his nephews Ryan and Brandon, brother Steve
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Bench press lessons with Jim!
2025, San Jose, CA, USA
Bench press lessons with Jim! — with Saloni Kajale
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Jim photobombing me when I wa…
2019, Life Connections Fitness Center
Jim photobombing me when I was doing deadlifts. He was such a character!
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Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Jim's Celebration of Life Event.
$6,100.00
of $6,000 goal
101 %
Learn more & giveRight arrow
Created with love by Rebekah Thayer (Jim's friend), Denise McGoldrick, Prem Sundaram (Premraj Sundaram) and Liwei Huang (Jim's friend).
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Jim "Big Chief" McGoldrick