James J. Magaw Sr

James J. Magaw Sr., Former Trainer Borough Police Chief
James J. Magaw Sr., 59 of Trainer, PA died suddenly on December 17, 2013 at Crozer Chester Medical Center. Though born in Chester, he resided in Trainer for most of his life. He graduated from Chichester High School in 1972. Chief Magaw began his career with the Trainer Borough as a police office 36 years ago. He served as Police Chief for 18 years before retiring in 2011. During his career in law enforcement he made many contributions to the community. Serving as a volunteer fireman with Lennox Park Fire Company from 1979 to 2003 and is an honorary life member. In addition, Jim served as a Chairman of the Trainer Recreation Board and member from 1983-2012 creating Community Day in 1994. Some of Jim's other accomplishments include that he started the first basketball league in Trainer, 1983-1989 for children and teens. Furthermore, in 2004 created Food and Clothing Drives for the needy and underprivileged. In 1986 to 2000, he served as President and coach of the Mickey Vernon Little League and helped the league grow from 50 children to 600 while also creating the Challenger Division for the special needs children and young adults. As a result of his continued involvement he was the first Chief in Trainer Borough to become President of the Chief of Police Association and continues to be a member. Some of his other associations are Delaware County Lodge 27, Pennsylvania State Narcotics Task Force, where he assisted with the Drug Initiative, and the Eastern States Vice and Narcotics International Association. In 1999, Jim served on Governor Ridge's Partnership Committee for Safe Communities and Chairman for the "Chichester Community That Cares" initiative utilizing millions in state and private grants for schools and communities in Chichester. He was also a member of Holy Rosary Church in Claymont, DE.
Survivors: Wife of 27 years, Susan M. Cominskie Magaw, 6 children, Jennifer (Zachary) Bullock, Shannon (Christopher) Herbert, John Elliott, Kristen (Jason) Salvato, James (Noelle Hoag) Magaw Jr. and Jeffrey (Emily) Magaw, parents, Percy and Mary Boyle Magaw Jr., siblings, MaryAnn Magaw, Patricia Brown, John Magaw, Percy (Susan) Magaw, Maureen (Philip) Clute, Joanne (Robert) DiIonno, Jane Marie Magaw and Margaret Magaw, 9 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass: Saturday, 10:30AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE.
Visitation: Friday 6:30-9:00PM and Saturday 8:30-9:30AM at the Moreland-Pagano Funeral Home, 825 Main St. Trainer, PA.
Interment: Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, PA.
Contributions: Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, 201 W. Front St., P.O. Box 101, Media, PA 19063.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com