Auburn, New York
James M. (Coach Duke) Mc Grath, 74, of East Franklin St., Fayetteville passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital Syracuse. A native Auburnian, he was born on Nov. 18, 1939, a son of Robert Emmett and Helen Savage Mc Grath. Wherever life took Jim, he remained an Auburnian. He maintained lifelong...
Read MoreWe all know time passes in a blink. It seems just that way as I recall so many interactions with Duke. So much laughs, tears and philosophical comments. I honestly cant add to all the loving,sincere remarks made by others who knew and loved him "man plans God laughs" RIP dear friend
stuart trust
February 09, 2025 | Friend
He was such a great person and coach. He will always be in my memory as a great coach and friend of basketball.
Derek Jackson
February 10, 2015
Duke: Many Fond Memories Of Our Trips To West Point And The Naval Academy,Plus Our Three Army-Navy Games Will Miss You Thursdays As The Liars Group Meets Plus The Famous Pickles. God Needed A Top Notch Basketball Coach So He Called You Home.You Are The Best Lots Of Laughs And Fun Times. Rest In Peace My Friend. Dick Williams
February 22, 2014
you couldn't be around a better, funnier guy than 'duke' ... hall of fame basketball coach, even better guy who so many of us will dearly miss.
bob Snyder, Baldwinsville (from Bradenton, fla.)
February 19, 2014
Coach Duke, To a great competitor, Coach and mentor. Had great times at Al Cervi's Basketball Camp picking your brain about the game you loved coaching and teaching. Thanks for the great memories, all our prayers and thoughts are with you. You didn't backdoor heaven you fast broke it.
Mike Durr
February 19, 2014 | Utica Notre Dame, NY
Every Thursday morning Duke would travel from Fayetteville to Auburn to join his friends and High School teammates for an 8am breakfast at Ann's. It was a time for reminiscing and humor which he enjoyed. We will all miss you Duke but know that you are now at Peace and free of pain, no doubt organizing a team of Angels.
Leon Matthews
February 18, 2014 | Skaneateles, NY
We are grateful to have the memories of all the good times we shared so many years ago. Especially happy to have spent some time with Jim two years ago after missing his company for too many years. Rest in peace good friend.
Jack and Kay Johnstone
February 18, 2014 | Sarasota, FL
The McGrath Family - What a guy! Never had a bad time while around Duke. I think I still have some of his pickles. God Bless Him.
Bob Hayes
February 18, 2014 | St. Patricks
Duke...Linda, Mary and I will miss you so much! You were a great coach, and a good fly-fishing partner! I'll miss all the X&O talks we had. You were the best!!
Jim Zullo
Jim Zullo
February 18, 2014 | Shenendehowa, NY
