James Michael McGrath passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on September 29, 2026, in New Rochelle, New York, at the age of 82. Born on April 16, 1944, to Eugene and Marion McGrath, Jim was raised in Yonkers. He attended Mary’s Seminary in Garrison, New York, for high school, where he graduated in 1962 and went on to study for the priesthood with the Capuchin Franciscans
After realizing (to his future family’s good fortune) that the priest’s life was not for him, Jim started his career at Technicon Instruments and remained at the company for 37 years. He started as a bottle washer in the lab, moved on to sales, and when he retired from what had become Bayer Diagnostics, he was the director of training, meetings, and conventions. Jim loved his job and loved his colleagues — it was at work where he made some of his closest friendships.
Jim met Maureen Shupe on a night out with friends at Frank and Joe’s Pizzeria on Ashburton Ave. in Yonkers. They married on October 7, 1967, and two daughters followed ‒ Jennifer and Jill. Leaving the path to priesthood did not end Jim’s call to service. He taught CCD to kindergarteners at Resurrection Church and was active on the Midland PTO. A fierce advocate of public education, Jim was elected to the Rye City School District Board of Education in 1983, where he served as a member and president until 1987. During his tenure, he made it his mission to foster relationships between the board, the administration, teachers, parents, and students.
One of the greatest pleasures Jim had in life was stepping in for Santa Claus for many Christmas seasons at Rye Beach Pharmacy. The children knew that he was the real Santa because somehow he seemed to know everything about them. He always made sure to tell the boys and girls who sat on his lap that he expected homemade cookies on Christmas Eve.
He was also committed to the arts, and spent many summer days and nights acting and singing in community theater productions in Rye, and later in Bluffton, South Carolina, where he and Maureen made their home for some years after their retirement.
Jim will be remembered for his quick wit, his distinctive and infectious laugh, and for his tremendous heart. To know him was to be loved by him.
James Michael McGrath is survived by his wife, Maureen; his daughters, Jennifer (Yakhya/John Fall)) and Jill (Jon Levine); his grandchildren, Ty, James, Kaia, and Malik; his brothers, Eugene (Helen) and Dennis (Roy); his many nieces, nephews, and godchildren; and by countless friends. Jim’s family would like to acknowledge the caretakers at home and at Willow Gardens and United Hebrew who have watched over him and shown him kindness. A private mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers, and his family will receive visitors at Graham Funeral Home in Rye on Friday, November 20 from 4 pm to 7 pm.
