James M McGrath, fondly known as “Jimmy,” was born to the late John and Bridget (Ferguson) on October 8, 1945, in Boston, MA and returned home to God on October 6, 2023.
Jimmy was passionate about politics, a knower of all things, and a delegator of tasks. He had a great sense of humor and beautiful singing voice. He loved his dogs, getting a good deal, saving a “buck”, and muffins. Most important to Jimmy was his family. His sisters, Patricia “Patsy” Bloise of Natick, Barbara Gearon of Westwood, his brother-in-law Joseph Gearon, and his brother Thomas “Tommy” McGrath of Brockton who predeceased him, were his best friends and greatest supporters in life.
His daughters, Anne McGrath of South Boston, Erin Whitney and husband Patrick of Cambridge, and Bridget McGrath of Boston, were his world. He coached their softball, attended many dance recitals, and fiercely critiqued them into becoming strong, resilient, and independent women. Having lost his wife Anne (Denault) early in life, it was just him and “the girls” until he was blessed with seven grandsons: James, Trace, Addis and Joseph McFarland of South Boston, and Rhys and Rowan Whitney of Cambridge, who lovingly referred to Jimmy as “Grumpy.” Jimmy is also survived by nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly as well as many loving cousins.
Family and Friends are invited to share in the celebration of his life on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 4-7pm at Casper’s Funeral Home in South Boston followed by a funeral mass at Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston. Friday at 10:00a.m. A Rite of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to MSPCA.