Rev. James George McGrory

Rev. Mr. James George McGrory

AGE: 86 • Allamuchy Township

Rev. Mr. James George McGrory, 86, died on February 20, 2015 at the Bethel Health Care Center in Bethel, CT. He was born in Jersey City and lived in Succasunna before moving to Panther Valley 23 years ago. He served in the US Navy during WWII on the USS Independence in Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll. He earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1956 and was employed as a Professional Engineer at Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township for 35 years until his retirement in 1991. He was an Ordained Permanent Deacon for 39 years, serving at St. Therese RC Church in Succasunna and at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R C Church in Flanders. He was past Chaplin of the Allamuchy Volunteer Fire Department.

In 1975, Jim co-founded the Roxbury Soccer League, which has since served thousands of children and has grown into a significant youth sports program. He served on the Diocese of Paterson, Department of Special Education Advisory Board, as a Professional Engineer Consultant, for the development of Weigand Farm and Camp Alexander in Milton, NJ. He worked with an army of volunteers on the design and construction of a summer camp for children and adults with special needs.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Eleanore E. (Jeschke), and by his darling daughter, Kathleen Sardina. He is survived by three children; Nora Kelley (Patrick) of Newtown, CT, Lisa Scapicchio, of Orlando FL, and James A. McGrory of Franklin, MA. He was adored by 7 grandchildren; Ryan, Meghan, Amy, Sara, Jenna, Emma, and Theresa; 2 great grandchildren; Natalie, and Benjamin; sister Catherine Pskowski of Tucson AZ, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R C Church, 61 Main Street, Flanders, with the interment to follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Chester. Friends may visit at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R C Church on Friday from 10 - 11 am. Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St., Succasunna, NJ (973-584-7264) davishepplewhitefh.com