He was born on July 13, 1929, on a farm west of Woodson, Illinois to William and Ida (Begnel) McGrath. Jim married Virginia K. Hanley on April 29, 1950; she preceded him in death on September 30, 1999.
Jim is survived by six sons, James (Sonja), Patrick (Michele), Michael (Valerie), Robert (Debbie), Larry (Cathy), and David (Anne); three daughters, Peggy McGrath, MaryJane Miller, and Theresa Freeman, all of Springfield and the surrounding area; and daughter-in-law, Sam McGrath of Naples, FL. He cherished his 18 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by one son, Jack McGrath; two brothers, Gerald “Jake” and Bernie; five sisters, Theresa, Bernice, Cecelia, Aggie, and Rosie; and one son-in-law, Tommy Freeman.
He graduated from Routt High School in Jacksonville, Illinois. Jim worked as a truck driver for Amrhein Bakery. In 1951, he became a member of the Painters Local #90 and quickly advanced to the position of business agent, which he held for 38 years. Jim served on many boards and commissions including president of the Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, chairman of both the Illinois State Painters Welfare Fund and the Illinois Painters State Conference, precinct committeeman for the Sangamon County Democratic Party, trustee of the Springfield Sanitary District, and deputy director for the Illinois Department of Labor.
He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan even though all of his children teased him relentlessly. Jim enjoyed gardening, betting on the ponies with a special group of friends, and following the stock market and politics. One of his greatest pleasures was spending time with his children. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports and other activities and always remembered to make them feel special on their birthday. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Christopher Trummer, celebrant.
Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Illinois Food Bank.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.
