James M. McGarvey

James M. McGarvey “Jim,” age 83, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved son of the late William H. and Elizabeth McGarvey (nee Butler) and predeceased by brother William H. McGarvey, Jr. (Barbara), sister Marianne McBrearty (John), and Aunt Kay McGarvey.

He was the loving father of James M. McGarvey Jr. (Marcella), Matthew McGarvey (Janine Senske), and Thomas McGarvey (Megan); the adoring grandfather of Bridget Keller, Daniel, Margaret, and Joseph McGarvey; and the much beloved “Uncle J” of the extended McGarvey, Nelson, and McBrearty families. 

Jim was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and entered the Trappist monastery at Saint Joseph Abbey in Spencer, MA where he cultivated a lifelong devotion to the Liturgy of the Hours. Jim later earned philosophy and psychology degrees from Queen of Apostles College & Seminary and Catholic University and served as a US Army Clerk at Fort Benning and Fort Jackson during the Vietnam War. He used his unique life experiences and training to build an accomplished career as a psychologist in the Philadelphia public sector and was dedicated to his work in the prison system, probation, and addictions/recovery counseling. 

Jim was known for his charity and sense of humor, and as a beloved family man and trusted counselor both professionally and to family, friends, and many people in the community. He enjoyed Philadelphia sports, history, politics, and most of all - just talking to people. He will be dearly missed. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, September 13, 2024 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082 and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 6301 Woodbine Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name can be made to Saint Joseph Abbey in Spencer, MA at https://spencerabbey.org/.