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James McNamara Obituary
James John McNamara
"Jim"
Jim McNamara, a smiling Irishman and proud Marine, died August 6, 2007, from
complications of esophageal cancer at University of Utah Health Sciences
Center where he spent most of his professionalcareer.
He was born in Salt Lake City, January 8, 1933, to John and
Frances McNamara, graduated from Judge Memorial High School, and received his
BS, MSW and Doctor of Social Work from the University of Utah. He served as
director of the Department of Social Work at the U of U Health Sciences Center
for 25 years and was a professor in the Graduate School of Social Work. He
retired from the United States Marine Corps as a full Colonel after 30 years
of service.
Jim was a loyal Beta, a U of U athlete and a life-long Ute fan. He loved the
beaches of Coronado, California and sharing the condo in St. George with his
family. "Don't forget to turn off the water!" Jim treasured friendship. He was
eager to share a good laugh, a meal with friends or just a dry martini. Go
Utes! Semper Fi!
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Roselee Norwood, five children, their
spouses and 11 grandchildren of whom he was so proud and deeply cherished:
Maureen James (Rick), Brian and Caitlin; Tom McNamara (Suzanne), Anna and Dan;
Cas Eyre (David) Hannah and Will; Megan Trapletti (Mike) Erin and Christina;
and Jane Thomas (Robert) Elise, Jack and Elizabeth and also by brothers Jack
(Patsy) and Bernie (Rose Marie) and nephews Stephen, J.J. and Matthew.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, August 17th at 4 p.m. at St.
Catherine of Siena Newman Center, 150 So. University Street. Immediately
following, join us to toast the life of a good man at an Irish Wake at the
University of Utah Alumni House, 155 So. Central Campus Drive. Friends may
visit the family one hour before Mass.
Donations may be made in Jim's honor to the National Ability Center, P.O. Box
682799, Park City, UT 84068 or the US Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation,
P.O. Box 3008, Princeton, NJ 08543 (www.mcsf.com).
Funeral Directors: Neil O'Donnell and Sons Mortuary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McNamara
Jim Freston
September 4, 2007
Dear Roselee,
Thanks for the time today sharing memories of Jim. What a remarkable man and couple. Truly a life fully lived and a legacy of friends and admirers. God Bless.
Jim and Margie Freston
karl tornyos
August 28, 2007
Dear Roselee and Family . We are much saddened by the untimely loss of JIM , our great friend .Our prayers and thoughts are with you during these sad days . We wish you the spiritual and physiscal strenght you need to go on from here , as we know you will .In our family Jim and you and your wonderful parents are regarded as the finest , most compassionate people we have had the privilage to know .Losing them , one by one , is a sad experience .God bless you all .
Mike Potter
August 23, 2007
Hi Roselee,
I was truly shocked to learn of Jim's death of late. Had I learned earlier I would have gone to his funeral, services, and Irish wake. I am sorry I was not in attendance.
Himself was a great and kind man. He is missed by many including myself.
Sorrrowfully,
John Welsh
August 21, 2007
Rosalie and family, My prayers and the prayers of the Hibernian Society members are with you in your time of loss. Jim was a mainstay and a significant presence in those early years of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Without his presence, there probably would not be be a St. Patrick's Parade in SLC. Jim and I became friends at Judge in the grade school years. We shall miss him.
LUCY NAIRN
August 20, 2007
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMLY AT THIS TIME.
GOD BLESS. LUCY NAIRN
Dave Meyer
August 17, 2007
Tom, Roselee and McNamara Family,
I am truly saddened by your loss and my heart goes out to all of you. I have such fond memories of our years on Harvard, boating and all the various family outings. Jim was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. I wish we were able to be with you but please know that Penny's and my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Kaye Herbert
August 16, 2007
Dear Maureen and Family,
Thinking about you and your loved ones during this time.
Rosemary Lasko
August 15, 2007
Dear Maureen, So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He raised a wonderful, caring daughter. My thoughts are with you at this time. Cherish those wonderful memories of him that will always be with you. Your friend and colleague, Rosemary
Roger Tobari
August 14, 2007
To Maureen, Rick, and the McNamara Family,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. I've always thought of Jim as a strong, wise, fun-loving and compassionate man. He is part of that Old Guard that made this country and the local community great. You are in my thoughts and I send my best to you all.
Joni Halverson
August 13, 2007
Maureen,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. As I read his obituary I see where you get your smile and love for those around you. He raised a wonderful daughter.
Sincerely, Joni Halverson
Shirley Slay
August 13, 2007
Rosalee,
Jim was an extraordinary man with an exceptional wife. You are in our hearts and prayers at this time. Hope you will make time as the your life settles to visit us.
Alan Roberts, PT
August 12, 2007
Roselee,
So sorry to hear about Jim. I enjoyed working with him and with you during his last, heroic months. I am a better person for knowing you both.
Janice and Dave Matthews
August 12, 2007
Dear Roselee,
We are so sorry about Jim. What great times and memories we have of our times together.
Christine Slay
August 12, 2007
Roselee-
David and I thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was so happy David got a chance to get to know Jim and what a great person he was. I have many happy memories my whole life of you and your family.
Semper Fi!
Love David and Christine
Miriam & Walter Savage
August 12, 2007
Roselee,
Thanks for the memories.
Karen Carter
August 11, 2007
To the McNamara Family,
May you find peace in the memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Carter
(Work Associate of Maureen's)
Debbie Jacobs
August 11, 2007
Tom & Family,
Sorry to read about the loss of you father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Class of '74.
Paul Dalpiaz
August 11, 2007
Pat and I both remember well the pleasure of visiting with Jim at various special times. We send our sincere condolances to all the family. Jim was always a bright light when we got together, and we all will miss him.
Colleen Kwan and Kyle Madsen
August 11, 2007
Jane, Bob and kids,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Jennifer Williams
August 11, 2007
Jane, Robert and Family:
Jane, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
God Bless you and your family.
Jennifer
John Berklacy
August 11, 2007
Roselee,
My thoughts and prayers are for you and Jim at this time.
Sue Lapsys
August 10, 2007
Jane, Robert and Family,
I happened to be browsing the SL Tribune and saw your father. I am an old classmate from Lourdes and JMH. Just wanted to send my deepest condolences at this time.
patricia pignanelli
August 10, 2007
We are so sorry. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank and Patricia Pignanelli
Everett G. Amador
August 10, 2007
May you find solace in the fact that God watches over of us.
In happy and especially in our sad moments- may all be comforted
margie Nairn
August 10, 2007
My deepest sympathies.
PAT AND BILL DWYER
August 10, 2007
PAT AND I CHERISH THE TIMES WE HAD WITH JIM.HE WAS ALWAYS SO FULL OF LIFE AND OF COURSE IRISH BLARNEY. I ENJOYED PLAYING GOLF WITH JIM BUT MOST OF ALL I REMEMBER OUR CONVERSATIONS. JIM NEVER SEEMED TO LET HIS VERY FORMIDBLE PRESENCE OVERWHELM YOU WHEN HE SPOKE. YOU FOUGHT IT TO THE END COACH. ENJOY YOUR STAY!
John and Lenora Witt
August 10, 2007
About 20 years after we first met at Quantico, our paths crossed again one summer at Camp Pendleton. We became, with our spouses, best of friends, visiting one another in Salt Lake, St. George, San Diego and Coronado. Those happy times together will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. We share grief at your loss with Roselee and your family, but know that you are at peace with Our Lord.
Maria Edgar King
August 10, 2007
Jane and Maureen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad-I remember him from Ute football games. Your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steven Brophy
August 10, 2007
Dear McNamara Family,
I am saddened to hear of your loss but from what I heard, Jim was an amazing guy, which runs in your family.
All the best!
Roger Morandi
August 10, 2007
Dear Roselee and Family -
Sending you all my love and best wishes during this difficult time.
Love,
Jayne Leigh
August 10, 2007
To The McNamara Family:
I will certainly miss Jim. He has been coming to our office for many years and I considered him my friend What a wonderful man he is and what a legacy he must have left for his family. My deepest sympathies to each of you. We will all miss Jim coming in for his visits.
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