James A. McCaughan

James A. "Jim" McCaughan Sr., 83 Of Collingdale, PA James A. "Jim" McCaughan Sr., 83, died suddenly July 22, 2012 while vacationing with his daughter and son-in-law at the shore. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 52 years, Mary I. (nee Scott). Born in Sharon Hill, PA to the late John P. and Catharine R. McCaughan, Jim attended Holy Spirit School, St. James High School, and received his GED while serving in the Navy. In June 2003 he attended his "high school" graduation and received his diploma from Academy Park High School/Sharon Hill High School Class of 1947/2003. Jim served in the Navy from March 25, 1946 until April 16, 1953 during the latter part of World War II and through the Korean War. He served on the USS Astoria and USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt aircraft carriers where he met and spoke with the late General Dwight Eisenhower. He received the W.W. II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, China Service Medal and American Theatre Medal. Jim retired from SEPTA/Red Arrow Division after 40 years where he had been a trolley and bus operator and a security officer. He also worked as a funeral director's assistant for more than 56 years in which his professional skills were utilized by several funeral homes in Delaware County and Philadelphia, serving his last time as an assistant at the funeral of his wife, Mary. Jim was a 58 year lifetime member of Collingdale Fire Company No. 1 Station 06 and began his lifetime membership at Sharon Hill Fire Company as a Junior Firefighter in the 1940's. He also was a Delaware County Fire Police serving more than 45 years. Jim was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus Council 8924, Cardinal Dougherty Knight of Columbus, member of the PA Fire Police Association, Delaware County Fire Police Association, a life member of the Delaware County Firemen's Association, the Firemen's Association of the State of PA, a 58 year member of the United Transportation Union Local 1594, UTU Alumni Association, the American Legion Norwood Post, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was one of the original cantors at his parish, St. Joseph Church, Collingdale, where he also served as a lector, usher, greeter, and in the 1970's as the parish's first security guard. Jim enjoyed travelling especially to Ireland, Cape May and the casinos of New Jersey, especially with his late brother-in-law the Rev. Raymond Scott. He played Santa Claus for many years for families of relatives and friends as well as the Children's Hospital Seashore House. In addition to his wife, Mary, Jim was predeceased by his siblings Rose M. Robinson, Catherine Carr, Josephine Pauline, David, Edward, John and James D. Survivors: His loving children Marykay (Phil) Klara, Jim Jr., Karen (Greg) Noonan, and Dan McCaughan; also 11 grandchildren including his only granddaughter, Meghan who was his princess; two great-grandsons; also siblings Sally Blundin, Helen Zebley, Charles, Ann Brom, Marie Shanahan and Isabelle Swarter; sisters-in-law Tinker McCaughan and Therese Donnelly; as well as more than 80 nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and many close friends. Viewing will be held Saturday July 28, 2012 9:30 to 11:15 AM at St. Joseph Church, 500 Woodlawn Ave., Collingdale, PA 19023. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. Interment immediately following at Saint Peter & Paul Cemetery, Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064. In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to Collingdale Fire Company No. 1, 510 Clifton Avenue, Collingdale, PA 19023 or St. Joseph Church Memorial Fund, 500 Woodlawn Ave., Collingdale, PA 19023. Arr: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home