James G. Mcgrath

On Saturday, February 25, 2023, James Gerald McGrath passed away at the age of 87. He had recently entered into hospice care at Stella Maris where he had most recently resided. His last days were comfortably shared with his family.

James “Jim” was the first of six children born to James and Mary (Swift) McGrath. He was born in Jersey City, NJ and was raised in New York City. Jim spent time in early seminary training and graduated from Iona College (University). Upon graduation, he served several years as an officer in the Marine Corps. He then pursued a long term career in Human Resources while raising a family of seven with his wife, Pat. A job promotion with Commercial Credit brought the family to Bel Air, MD where he resided for over forty years.

Jim had been a decades long usher and parishioner at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Forest Hill. He and his wife enjoyed annual stays on Hutchenson Island, Florida in their post retirement years. He loved reading and was fanatical in his love of Irish history and culture, always a fervent fan of Notre Dame football. A highlight of his life was sharing a road trip with his son Kenny and his own brothers, Bart and Jack, to attend a home game together in Indiana.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Pat. He is survived by his children: Deirdre (Chad) Gettier of Pylesville, MD, James (Martha) McGrath of Roswell, GA, Thomas McGrath of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Kenneth (Rochelle) of Bluffton, SC, Megan Tegeler of Deerfield Beach, FL, Neal (Kelli) McGrath of Eugene, OR and Brian (Lisa) McGrath of Sarasota, FL.

His surviving grandchildren include Sierra Gettier of Delray Beach, FL, Liam Gettier of Austin, TX, Clair McGrath of Atlanta, GA, Kyle (Ashley) McGrath of Abingdon, MD, Brianna (Jorge) Velazquez of Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Erin McGrath of Severn, MD, Jeffrey Tegeler of Glen Burnie, MD, Conner Tegeler and Lauren Tegeler of Fallston, MD and Lilliana and Gabriella McGrath of Sarasota, FL and five great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Bartholomew McGrath of Whiting, NJ, Joan Pusey of Wilmington, NC, Maureen Glende of Whiting, NJ, Jack (Theresa) McGrath of Whiting, NJ and Geraldine Bierach of Matawan, NJ.

At this time, the family wishes to thank the staff at Glen Meadows Retirement Community for their exemplary early care and to the staff at Stella Maris for their later care.

We ask that in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children Hospital where a memorial fund has been established.