James William McGunnigle

McGunnigle

James William McGunnigle

James "Jim" William McGunnigle passed away on September 8, 2023 at his home in Bethesda, Maryland. Jim was born in Roosevelt, NY on July 3, 1936. At age 18 Jim joined the Army, was posted in part to Germany and was able to travel throughout Europe and began his life-long love of travel and discovery. He earned his B.A. from Hofstra University, where he met his future wife, Sally Gagen. He and Sally married in 1962 and immediately volunteered for the newly formed Peace Corps and spent 2 yrs teaching in Northern Luzon, Philippines. Subsequently Jim joined the US Foreign Service and arrived at his first post in the Azores, Portugal in 1966. Subsequent overseas assignments were Ecuador (1969-1972), Sri Lanka (1975-1977), Thailand (1977-1979), Chile (1979-1983), Pakistan (1983-1986), India (1986-1989), Egypt (1989-1992), and France (1992-1995). Jim and Sally purchased land in the Azores and upon Jim's retirement and completion of the build of their dream home, they began their new life of summers in the Azores and winters in WDC. Years later they moved full time to Bethesda, MD where Jim was able to be close to his adored grandchildren, continue world travels with Sally, and enjoy himself with his many hobbies including British colonial history, biking, and cooking. His sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, strong sense of family, and kindness towards those less fortunate will be remembered and missed. Jim is survived by Sally, his wife and partner of 61 years; his children Margaret (Mark Miebach), Jennifer (Erik McGunnigle), and Michael (Andra Sawyer); three beloved grandchildren Owen, Elizabeth (Beth), and Sarah; his step grandson Max; his sister Susan Condon; numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends he touched throughout his life.



A celebration of Jim's life will be held at St Bartholomew Catholic Church in Bethesda, MD on September 29, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to be made in Jim's name to Doctors Without Borders.