“Coach Mac” James R “Mac” MacDonald died Tuesday January 14, 2014 at his home in Earlysville. Mac was born in Willimantic, CT on October 20, 1944. After an indifferent scholastic career, he became an inspired, distinguished and passionate teacher, coach and administrator. He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, NY; then fell into teaching because he spoke fluent Spanish which he’d learned while working on the tobacco fields in Connecticut in the summers.
His teaching & coaching spanned 42 years at 3 schools: Eaglebrook in Deerfield, MA, Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and St. Anne’s Belfield School in Charlottesville. During his career, he received many accolades; most notably the Malone Prize from St. Anne’s for not only his classroom & athletic contributions, but also his behind the scenes talents—especially setting up sound systems. He loved St. Anne’s; and he also loved coaching football and lacrosse.