Honorable James J. McGrath

James McGrath Obituary

McGRATH, HONORABLE JAMES J., 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. boyleandsonfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Oct. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James McGrath

4 Entries

K (Teddie) Leach

October 23, 2008

Uncle Jimmy,
Not a day goes by that you aren’t missed, or thought about fondly. The baby is getting so big; she looks just like John more and more each day. Miss making you peanut butter and fluff, and a cup of tea - Maggie misses eating you’re left over’s...
You don’t know how much you meant to us, and how you are loved.
I bet that you are already on the Board of Directors in Heaven, giving advice and lending a hand. God is lucky to have you...

Sister Anne Manion

October 20, 2008

I would like to send my deepest sympathy to Jim's family on behalf of my family, Catherine Toolan and Anne Manion. Jim spent my years with my Aunt Kack, as she was called. Jim gave her a job in his egg company and spent many happy times at our family table.

Joseph Pilla

October 2, 2008

I'd like to extend my sincerest sympathies to Mr. McGrath's nephew John. I know you did everything in your power to keep your Uncle in good health. You can rest assure he's in a better place.

shellie and jayce nicholson

October 2, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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