James P. O'Grady

James P. O’Grady, known affectionately as Jim, passed away on February 11, 2024. Born in Chicago on March 14, 1929, to Michael and Mary (nee Neary) O’Grady, Jim was a longtime resident of Oak Lawn, Illinois, and a pillar to the family he so dearly loved.

After serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, Jim returned home to Chicago and began his career as an Operating Engineer for Cook County, Illinois. He retired over 40 years later after serving as the Chief Engineer of the Cook County Jail in Chicago. He was respected among the staff at the County Jail for his dedication to maintaining the jail facilities and coordinating new construction with the many architects and engineers he had the privilege to work with during his long career.

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Judith (nee Jeffery) O’Grady. Together, they raised four children: Patrick (Thea) O’Grady, Brian (Paula) O’Grady, Mark (Sharon) O’Grady, and Rosemarie (Robert) Webb. Jim was a devoted husband and father and a doting grandpa to his five grandchildren: Matthew, Brent, Lily, James and Grace and his great granddaughter, Lucy.

Jim’s family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Nellia Mumbuluma who was his constant and faithful caregiver for the last year of his life. She was always at his side and Jim affectionately referred to her as “Mama”.

The family will be receiving visitors at Blake Lamb Funeral Home, located at 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, Illinois from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 18, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, located at 10621 S. Kedvale Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois. Following the service, Jim will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.