James “Jim” Rendle

James “Jim” Rendle passed away on March 16, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. True to his nature, he had been on the golf course mere days before.

Jim was a proud 1966 graduate of Quincy High School, where he was a standout football, basketball and track athlete. He then attended UMass Amherst on a football scholarship.

In 1970, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Linda Hoyt. Together, they loved to travel, dine, watch sports, and most importantly, spend time with their family and friends.

Jim was a recreation director at the Quincy YMCA before owning a successful seafood business, Quincy Lobster. His true calling, however, was education.

During his decades-long career coaching girls’ and boys’ volleyball and basketball, Jim traveled to tournaments nationwide, won multiple Division 1 State Championships, and guided many players on to represent college athletic programs across the country. Although he was fiercely competitive, Coach Rendle made it clear that anyone willing to work hard could be a contributor. One of his most legendary sayings was, “Today is work day.” He saw sports as a means to develop leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility, grace under pressure, perseverance, and other vital life lessons. Although he earned many accolades, Jim’s greatest honor was seeing his athletes go on to make the world a better place through their families and careers. Seeking to foster these values on a wider scale, he finished his career as Athletic Director of the Quincy Public Schools.

After living most of their lives in Quincy, Jim and Linda retired to Plymouth and Delray Beach, Florida, where they built treasured friendships, became integral members of their communities, and actively campaigned for social and environmental justice. Golf, gardening, poker, puzzles, music, and their rescue dog Izzy brought Jim profound joy.

As many passions as Jim had, his true pride and joy was his family. He lovingly doted on Linda for the duration of their 56 year marriage. He was exceedingly proud of his children and his six grandchildren, whom he cheered on with abandon and who were profoundly influenced by his devotion and sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Hoyt) Rendle; his children Holly Rendle and husband Walter Cowham, Heather Patch and husband Michael, and James Rendle and wife Linda; his grandchildren Jeremy and Tamara Cowham, Sydney and Nathan Patch, and Gavin and Ian Rendle; his brother Willam Rendle and wife Gay; his sister Barbara Kelley; and a wide network of beloved family, friends, and student-athletes.

Jim was a life-long learner who made the most of every day. His legacy of kindness, optimism, and work ethic will live on in the countless lives he touched. Those who would like to celebrate his life are invited to stop by Granite Links on Monday, March 30 anytime between 4-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jim Rendle Memorial Scholarship established at both QHS and NQHS. Donations may be mailed to QHS: 100 Coddington Street, Quincy, MA 02169 (memo: Rendle) or made via Venmo: @NQGirlsvball