James Patrick McGrath

James Patrick McGrath, 85, of Madison, NJ died on December 16, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY to James and Catherine (nee Mangan) McGrath. He worked in the textile industry his entire career. He lived in New York City until he moved to Sparta, NJ in 1971. He resided in Delaware from 1995 until returning to NJ in 2013. He was a member of the US Army and veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Jim was a graduate of Bishop Loughlin High School and St. Johns University with a BA in Business. He was a member of the Track and Cross Country teams and won many individual and team championships. He is a member of the Hall of Fame at Bishop Loughlin. Jim was a track coach at Pope John XXlll in Sparta and coached several CYO teams. He was a member of the NY Road Runners Club, St. John’s Spiked Shoe Club, NY Athletic Club, member of Lake Mohawk County Club and former President of the Alpine Pool Association, past President of the Pope John Booster Club. Jim was a big fan of the NY Giants, NY Mets, St. John’s Red Storm basketball and Pope John football. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sally Hanley McGrath; devoted father of Christopher McGrath of Sparta, Terence and his, wife Robyn of Neptune, NJ; Susan McGrath of Sparta; Sally McGrath of Hoboken; Kathryn Regan and her husband Joseph of Milwaukee, WI; Brian McGrath of NY, NY; and daughter Elizabeth McGrath and her fiancée Robert Provenzano of Roselle Park. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Shannon, Connor, Kyle, Kathleen, Richard and Bridgette, brother Charles McGrath of E. Greenwich, RI and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, December 19, 2014 from 2-4, 7-9pm at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30am Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 294 Sparta Ave., Sparta, NJ. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to Pope John XXIII Angels Fund, 28 Andover Rd., Sparta, NJ 07871.

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