Born in Brooklyn on February 9, 1947, “Jim” was the firstborn child of James and Catherine Cooney.

Jim was raised in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, where he attended Resurrection Roman Catholic Parochial School. He was heavily involved in sports growing up, especially in the Gerritsen Beach Little League, where he played for years and later went on to coach his younger brother, Bob, and many others, some of whom he would later work with in the FDNY. Jim’s desire to become a firefighter started early, as he would often accompany his father, a lieutenant in the FDNY, to the firehouse.

After graduating from Sheepshead Bay High School in 1964, Jim joined the U.S. Navy shortly afterward. Upon completing his service, he worked in the print shop at The New York Times and was eventually called to serve with the NYPD in 1973. Jim finally received the call to join the FDNY in September 1977. He was assigned to Engine 281/Ladder 147, known as “Da Pride a Flatbush.” After 20 years at “Da Pride,” Jim was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Engine 254, “The Watchdawgs.”

Jim married the love of his life, Janice, in 1972, and the couple settled in Marine Park, Brooklyn, where they would remain for the rest of their lives. They had three children—James, Mike, and Keri. Both of his sons followed in their father’s footsteps and are current members of the FDNY. Jim devoted much of his time to the firehouse, served as a reservist in the U.S. Coast Guard, and worked various side jobs, yet he always made time to coach his kids’ teams at Good Shepherd or with the Cadets Baseball Club.

Jim served in the rescue and recovery efforts after September 11, 2001, and remained there for months afterward.

Over the years, Jim formed many lasting friendships and will be remembered for his generosity and kindness. He was most proud of his eight grandchildren—James, Timmy, Regan, Keira, Brendan, Matthew, Brigid, and Mike—whom he loved to spoil.