James J. McGilvray

James J. McGilvray obituary

James J. McGilvray

James McGilvray Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Weymouth Funeral Home & Crematory on Oct. 31, 2025.

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A Private Memorial Service Was Held

James J. McGilvray, 88, of Newport News, VA (formerly of Fairfax and Oakton, VA) passed away on September 8, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Born in Boston, MA, Mr. McGilvray served in the U.S. Navy and later began a career with the Central Intelligence Agency in 1960. Upon retirement in 1991, he was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal. During his CIA career, he served in Washington and overseas in the Philippines, Peru, Jordan, Greece, Kenya and Germany. Following his retirement, he worked at CIA Headquarters for both AT&T and Verizon.

Along with his wife, Mr. McGilvray was very involved in numerous missions-related activities through his association with both Vale United Methodist Church and Oakton United Methodist Church. He was founding president of the Clan MacGillivray Society USA. He was an active member of the St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C., with which he served as the founding chairman of the Member Relations Committee.

Mr. McGilvray is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Andrew; his daughter, Maura; two sons-in-law; his sister, Sister Mary McGilvray CSJ; his sister-in-law, Judy McGilvray and numerous nieces and nephews. A Private Memorial Service was held.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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