James P. McGraw, Jr. died peacefully Saturday morning. His loving wife of over 50 years, Mary (nee Barth), never left his side. He was the son of the late James P. and Grace Pease McGraw.
Jim grew up in Minooka, graduating from South Catholic High School and the University of Scranton, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology. Above all else, Jim loved the Lord. He was a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church (“ICC”) in East Scranton since 1966. He attended daily mass for decades at ICC where he also taught the RCIA program, was a Eucharistic minister and routinely set up the altar and gifts for 12:10 mass for over 13 years. Jim loved to talk about faith and the saints, and was an avid Bible reader.
He was a model of unselfishness and was a dedicated brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and cousin. He was preceded in death by his sister Grace McCormack (Vermont), his brother David (and wife Mary) McGraw and his brother Edward. He is survived by his lovely wife Mary, sons Jimmy, Michael (wife and daughter-in-law, Kelley (nee Birtz)) and John. He is also survived by brother-in-law Jack McCormack and Godchildren Sheila (nee McCormack) Royer, Joan Vander May and Patricia Monahan and nieces and nephews.
Jim devoted time to his grandchildren (Maura, Kathryn, Grace, Joseph, Patrick and Luke) and loved finding ways to introduce them to new things including coin collecting and pinochle. They were the joy of his life. There were no boundaries for what he would do for them, once he drove in the middle of the night to be present for his grandson’s emergency appendectomy.
Jim retired from the state of Pennsylvania after working at White Haven Center and SCI Retreat where he was Chief Psychologist. He also taught for over 25 years at Luzerne County Community College and was honorably discharged from the United States Army where he worked in the counterintelligence unit.
Jim was deeply loved and will be missed by his family.
Family and friends may call on Friday, February 2, at ICC at 801 Taylor Ave, Scranton from 3 to 6 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 3 at ICC. Internment at Abington Hills Cemetery will follow. Donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church or Friends of the Poor 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
Arrangements are at the direction of Vanston and James Funeral Home, Ash St., Scranton.
Peter Scopa
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire McGraw Family, James’ friends and his many acquaintances. While never having the pleasure of meeting Mr. McGraw, we will continue to enjoy the warmth of his spirit, faith and love through his Son, Michael, and his wonderful family.
May God bless you all and give you strength during this very difficult time.
With much love,
The Scopa’s