James R. (Jim) McIntosh, age 78, of Fairfield, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8th, at Bridgeport Hospital surrounded by his family.

James was born in Greenwich, CT, on January 3rd, 1947, to parents James G. and Margaret McIntosh (Nolan). Growing up in Greenwich, Jim had many fond memories that he loved to share, such as his first job at Fawcett Publications, waiting on tables at Maneros, taking the Island Beach boat in the summer, and enjoying his favorite dessert, chocolate mousse cake from San Moritz bakery. A graduate of Saint Mary High School, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from Sacred Heart University as a member of the school's first graduating class and his Master's and Sixth-Year degree in education from the University of Bridgeport. While at Sacred Heart, Jim was a member of the Ephebians fraternity, through which he formed many close relationships with his brothers that he maintained throughout his life.

Jim had a distinguished career as an educator in the Stamford school system, where he worked as a teacher at Westover and Rogers Elementary Schools, as well as Davenport Ridge and Dolan Middle School.

"Mr. Mac" was beloved and respected by all of his students, many of whom still kept in touch with him regularly through his active presence on social media.

James married Catherine Short, of Fairfield, CT, his beloved wife of 52 years, on February 19th, 1972, and from that day forward, the two were inseparable in their love for one another. Even after 50 years of marriage, they always did everything together through all stages of life. Family has always been everything to Jim and Cathy.

Faith also played a big role in Jim's life. From his youngest days as an altar boy at St. Mary Church in Greenwich, Jim was an active parishioner and volunteer at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield, serving on the first Parish Council and working at the annual church picnic serving strawberry shortcake.

With Cathy always by his side, he enjoyed UConn men's and women's basketball games, frequent trips to the Connecticut casinos, scenic drives, vacations to Saratoga Springs, including bass fishing at the family lake cabin, family picnics and parties, softball, gardening and painting, a latent talent Jim discovered following his retirement in 2005.

In addition to his wife, Catherine, James is survived by his three sons and seven grandchildren, Marshall and Mollie of Fairfield, and their four boys, Ryan, Robert, Luke and Brady. James J. McIntosh of Greenwich, and Christopher and Leslie of Oyster Bay, NY, along with their three children, Madeline, Anne and Charles.

James is also survived by his three brothers, Donald of Cape Haze, FL, Robert of Milford, and Michael of Greenwich.

He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Alice Kerri, and his grandson, Nolan John McIntosh.

James will be remembered as a kind-hearted and devoted father, husband, mentor, and teacher who positively impacted the lives of everyone who knew him.

Visiting hours for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, February 12th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lesko Funeral Home, located at 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center. The Mass of Christian Burial for James will occur at St. Anthony Church in Fairfield on Thursday, February 13th, at 11:00 AM. James's interment will be held privately. For travel directions or to sign the online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.