Honorable James J. McGrath

ProvidenceHonorable James J. McGrath, 94, of Smith Street, a former Commissioner for the State Board of Elections and former State Representative, died peacefully Wednesday at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Jeremiah J. and Annie C. (Naughton) McGrath. Mr. McGrath was the proprietor of Acorn Wholesale Egg Distributors for 38 years, from 1930-1968. He was elected to the R.I. House of Representatives in the Providence "Old District 11" in South Providence in 1940 serving until 1968. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Special Legislation Committee and Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He was then appointed to the State Board of Elections by the late John S. Chaffee and served until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the R.I.Former Legislators Association. He graduated from Tyler Grammar School and Central High School, Providence. He is survived by seven nieces, Elizabeth A. Hynes, Patricia M. Goodwin, Shirley A. Kellilea, Margaret C. Leach, Katherine M. Flynn, Patricia A. Fortunato, Anne C. Wilkins; two nephews, Dr. Thomas A. Maguire and Michael R. Maguire. He was a brother of the late Margaret Maguire, Maryellen Hogan, Veronica Avery, Helen Mitchell, Annie Woodard and Thomas F. McGrath. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 8:45 from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Pius V Church, Eaton Street, Providence. Graveside burial in Saint Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Visiting hours Friday 4 - 7 pm.