Dr James "Jim" Joseph McGoldrick

Jim was born on February 18, 1939 in Oakland, California, the eldest son of James and Dorothea McGoldrick (neé White).

He met Claire Marie Mulgrew through the efforts of their respective sisters, and they married on January 19, 1963, setting out on their journey through life together. Four children followed: James Michael, Daniel Joseph, Suanne Marie and Victoria Jane. Eventually the family grew with sons-in-law Darren Garnier and Jeff Clements and the passel of grandkids: Jacob, Jarrod, Noah, Zoe, Finnian, and Zachary. And then the great-grands: Waylon and Shae.

He was always close with his and Claire’s siblings and their spouses and children. They all shared many adventures and lively times together, and often helped each other through the ups and downs of life: Kathy and Frank Hoover (Bob, Bill and Lori), Pat and Mike McCarthy (Cheryl and Michael), John and Connie McGoldrick (Debbie and Jana), Paul and Jeanne McGoldrick, Tom and Melanie McGoldrick (Michal and Aimee), Anne and Fred Wulff (Christine, David and Michele) and Jim and Gay Mulgrew. (Kirk and Katie).

Jim was a graduate of St Joseph Seminary in the Bay Area, and went on to UC Berkeley and St Louis University Medical School. Directly after his medical internship, he was called to military service and he became the Post Surgeon at Navajo Army Depot in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was the physician for all of the soldiers, families and civilian workers on post. After leaving active duty as a Captain, he served an additional 4 years in the Army Reserves.

Upon return to Oakland from Flagstaff with Claire and his two boys, Jim completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Highland Hospital. He joined a group OB/GYN practice in San Leandro for five years, before striking out on his own. Jim, Claire and family (now complete with the two girls) moved to Livermore and he opened his own practice, caring for women and mothers, and safely delivering 4,000 babies into the world. He marked his retirement with flair: his last delivery was on August 30, 1995 — his first grandson Jacob.

In addition to his practice and leadership roles at the hospital, Jim was an active member of the greater community. He was an involved and long-time Rotary member, lending his time and talents to their charitable efforts as well as many other community organizations. Not to mention playing starring roles in theatrical productions for Hospital Benefits. A lifelong Catholic, he also participated in many church outreach programs. Jim was always willing to lend an ear, or a hand, and his help and advice was often sought and always given.

After 32 years in practice and 20 years in Livermore, Jim and Claire retired to Las Vegas - for, in his words, “Golf, poker and spoiling his wife!” Jim did spoil Claire - they traveled the world, often with family and friends, and visited every continent (well, not Antarctica, but close!) As always they made friends and memories wherever they went, along with some great stories! In later years, when not hosting family and friends, he focused on golf and poker - always up for a game on the links or in the cardroom.

While Jim’s life was long, full and accomplished, he would say his true achievements were straightforward: to care for his patients and safely deliver baby blessings to thousands of families, and to always be the best possible Son, Brother, Uncle, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and Friend. He excelled at it all, and he will be very dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in his name to the American Heart Association.

A funeral service for James will be held Monday, July 15, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89128. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 1:20 PM to 2:00 PM at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005.