It is with great sorrow that we, the family and friends of James “Jim” McGoldrick, share the news of his passing. Jim was born in 1953 and lived his early life Orofino, Idaho. He passed away from cancer in San Jose, California on September 21, 2025.

While competing in the Highland Games, Jim earned a nickname ‘Big Chief’ because of his dominance in the sport. Jim was a 5-time world champion. His move to Highland Games competitions followed his NCAA championship in the discus in 1975. While both records left impressive legacies in the athletic world, it is Jim's career of the past decades that personally impacted the most people. In a desire to share his love of fitness with others Jim became a personal fitness trainer. As a trainer he shared the passion and energy that made him a champion. His caring and supportive nature and his enthusiastic and dynamic personality made him a favorite with those he trained. His caring nature and total focus on the individuals he trained made him a friend. Jim leaves behind “a close knit village” of friends through his training, friendships and other fitness passions like mountain biking.

Jim leaves behind a small but loving family: His brother Steve (wife Denise) and their two sons Brandon and Ryan and five grandchildren and his brother Don (wife Velma).

Information and evolving plans will be posted here.  If you would like to attend a celebration of Jim's life in San Jose, CA, please RSVP from this memorial site.  You can also find Denise's contact information here if you'd like to reach out.

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