M. James O’Grady

O'GRADY, M. James BORN: July 25, 1936, Timmins, Ontario
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden death of the beloved husband of Helen Alexiade O'Grady and cherished father of James (Jamey) O'Grady. His devotion to our small family was surpassed only by his generous spirit which will always be with us. Jim was loved and respected as a brother by Colleen (Lawrence Dumville), Faye (Don Kuiak) and Ken (Marlene Binnie). He was pre-deceased by his parents Mary Redmond and Harold and by his brother Terry. He was loved as a brother-in-law by Maria and Tasso Karkazis, Ariadne and Howard Gribble and Anne Notof; and as an uncle to many from Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and California. Born in Timmins Ontario in 1936, Jim grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. He was both a star athlete and an outstanding student in his youth, winning the All-Ontario Midget AAA Championship with the Noranda Toilers in 1951-52. He enjoyed full scholarships to Queen's University, Arts '57 and Law '61 and was awarded a Viscount Bennett Scholarship to The Harvard Law School (LL.M. '63). Before starting his legal practice, Jim was the Special Assistant to the Solicitor General of Canada, the Honourable Larry Pennel. For 46 years he practiced law in Ottawa with Solway, Wright, Houston, Greenberg, O'Grady & Morin and O'Grady & Associate. At the time of his death he was practicing with the firm of Burke-Robertson. In 1998 he was elected a Fellow of The American College of Trial Lawyers. His career as a lawyer was characterized by the highest standards of professionalism, respect for those in need and unwavering dedication to his chosen profession. His service to the community included the office of President of the Consumers Association of Canada and a member of the Executive Committee of the International Organization of Consumers Unions. He was a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation Board of Arbitration. Jims love of hockey was legendary including over 15 years as a coach in the Nepean Minor Hockey Association and a lifetime of preparation for the NHL. Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa on Thursday May 22, 2008, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Notre Dame Cathedral, Sussex at St. Patrick on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Pinecrest Cemetery. Donations in Jim's memory to a charity of your choice.