James Creegan

1928 - 2023

James Creegan

May 26, 1928 - October 4, 2023

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Long-time resident, James "Jim" Creegan, 95, passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife of 74 years, Eleanor, and family. Jim also known as "Big Jim" to family and friends and Grandpa and Poppy to his seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren was born and raised on Long Island, New York. Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps during WWII and was a Drill Sergeant on Parris Island. He then served in the occupying forces in the Mediterranean. After leaving the Marine Corp he was a Rockville Centre police officer until his retirement in 1974. He moved his family to Hilton Head Island in 1978 and was the original GM/ Harbor Master at Hilton Head Harbor Marina until 1988. He then owned and ran the Island's Dairy Queen until his retirement at which he continued his love of fishing and discovered the game of golf!

Jim leaves behind the love of his life, Eleanor "Ellie" Creegan, daughters Kim Decost, Mary Frances Chaney and Jackie Thompson, grandchildren Jon Corby, Adam Gilmore, Hannah Smith, Alexander Betka, Zachary Betka, Jake Thompson, Emily Starling, and great grandchildren Dylan, Lani, Callie and Hailey Gilmore and Zeke and Zac Corby. Jim was preceded in death by his two beautiful daughters Cristyne and Regina "Gina" who we know were there to bring our Dad home to Heaven.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory the Great's St Andrews Chapel in Bluffton, SC on December 1st at 10:30 followed by a Military burial 2:00 pm at Beaufort National Veteran's Cemetery in Beaufort SC.