James Edward Prendergast

1961 - 2020

James Edward Prendergast, 59, formerly of Rosemont, died on December 30th, 2020 at home in Malvern, surrounded by his family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Kathleen Prendergast (nee Kennealy) and brother Dan Prendergast (Vic). Jim is survived by his loving wife Kate (nee Nealis), their three sons, Tim, Chris, and Matt, sister Lynn Gibbs (nee Prendergast) (Neal), brother Pat Prendergast (Amie) and 14 nieces and nephews. Jim graduated from Radnor High School 1979, playing guard for the varsity football team. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a BA in History (1983) and an MS in Secondary Ed (1985). Jim taught history at The Haverford School, coaching football, basketball, and baseball. He later attended Temple Law School, graduating cum laude in 1992, joining the DA’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia. Jim later moved into defense practice, eventually becoming a founding partner of the cyber-law firm Mullen Coughlin in Devon, PA. Jim was an integral part of the daily events at MC, beginning each day greeting every employee of the firm. He cherished his friendships there and enjoyed mentoring many new attorneys. Jim became a frequent speaker across the country on data privacy and data security matters. Jim and Kate married in 1989, and enjoyed many happy years together with their sons and extended family in Malvern. Coaching his 3 sons in Little League baseball was a highlight. From Draft day to preparing the fields at 6am to sharing the joy of the game with every player, Jim was respected and admired in the CVLL community for his dedication to making Little League fun. An Alter Boy turned Usher, Jim’s faith was strong; he relished belting out hymns at Mass with his loud, deep voice. Jim enjoyed politics and served as a local Committeeman in Chester County for 10 years. Jim was a lifelong Phillies fan and could be recognized anywhere in the Delaware Valley by his red Phillies cap. Friends are invited to his viewing Friday January 8th, 2021, at 5pm at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073. Funeral will be private for family only at St. Patrick Church Malvern. Live streaming service will be provided. Interment Private.