1925
James
2015
James McGuigan, Sr.
April 11, 1925 — February 25, 2015
James A. McGuigan, Sr., age 89, of Drexel Hill, PA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 25, 2015. Born on April 11, 1925, Jim was predeceased by his parents Leo and Ada McGuigan, his brothers John T. and Richard F., his wife of 52 years Catherine (nee McCormick) and his dear friend Anetta Jane Given.
Raised in Delaware County, Jim attended Haverford High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1942. As a member of the Sixth Marine Division, G Company of the 29th Marine Regiment, Jim was a Browning Automatic rifleman and fought at Guadalcanal, Okinawa, Saipan and China. While fighting the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill on the island of Okinawa, Jim was injured by a enemy bullet for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. After recovering for 90 days on a naval hospital ship, he rejoined his unit in China. At the end of World War II, Jim returned to civilian life in 1946.
While studying engineering at Drexel University, he met Kitty and they married in 1947. Jim worked for C.J. Rainier & Company in Philadelphia as Vice President of Sales for 32 years.
In retirement, Jim was active in the Upper Darby Wrestling Boosters Club which he and his wife founded in 1982. He was active in the Marine Corps League serving as Commandant of both the Smedley Butler and Tun Tavern Detachments.
He was active in Chester County politics from the 1960's through the early 1970's. Upon moving to Delaware County, he became active with the Delaware County Democratic Committee.
At the time of his death, Jim was a lifetime member of the Upper Darby Detachment of the Marine Corps League, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Sixth Marine Division Association, attending every annual reunion. Jim served as a deacon of Marple Presbyterian Church in Broomall, PA.
Left to cherish his memory and to continue his legacy of love and service are his nine children Kathryn T. McGuigan (Thomas M. Montalbano) of Playa del Rey, CA, James Anthony, Jr. (Theresa) of Phoenixville, PA, Patricia M. Payne (James) of Catonsville, MD, Maureen E. McGuigan (Richard T. Descano) of Petaluma, CA, Colleen R. McGuigan of Woodbine, NJ, Eileen M. Cox of Drexel Hill, PA, Sean T. McGuigan (Theresa) of Somers Point, NJ, Liam P. McGuigan of Conshohocken, PA and Kevin R. McGuigan (Stacey) of Sewell, NJ, 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Jane S. McGuigan of Marietta, GA and Sr. Theresa Marian McCormick of Reading, PA, his brother-in-law Edmund Tunitis of Macungie, PA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to his viewing Sunday, March 1, 2015 5:00-7:00 PM The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA (610) 449-0300 and Monday, March 2, 2015 10:00-10:50 AM Marple Presbyterian Church, 105 N. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA followed by his Service at 11:00 AM. Interment is private.
Donations in Jim's name may be made to the Upper Darby Detachment of the Marine Corps League, 1026 Providence Road, Secane, PA 19018 or the Marple Presbyterian Church, 105 N. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008.
Marple Presbyterian Church
105 N. Sproul Road Broomall 19008, United States
Marple Presbyterian Church
105 N. Sproul Road Broomall 19008, United States
Raised in Delaware County, Jim attended Haverford High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1942. As a member of the Sixth Marine Division, G Company of the 29th Marine Regiment, Jim was a Browning Automatic rifleman and fought at Guadalcanal, Okinawa, Saipan and China. While fighting the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill on the island of Okinawa, Jim was injured by a enemy bullet for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. After recovering for 90 days on a naval hospital ship, he rejoined his unit in China. At the end of World War II, Jim returned to civilian life in 1946.
While studying engineering at Drexel University, he met Kitty and they married in 1947. Jim worked for C.J. Rainier & Company in Philadelphia as Vice President of Sales for 32 years.
In retirement, Jim was active in the Upper Darby Wrestling Boosters Club which he and his wife founded in 1982. He was active in the Marine Corps League serving as Commandant of both the Smedley Butler and Tun Tavern Detachments.
He was active in Chester County politics from the 1960's through the early 1970's. Upon moving to Delaware County, he became active with the Delaware County Democratic Committee.
At the time of his death, Jim was a lifetime member of the Upper Darby Detachment of the Marine Corps League, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Sixth Marine Division Association, attending every annual reunion. Jim served as a deacon of Marple Presbyterian Church in Broomall, PA.
Left to cherish his memory and to continue his legacy of love and service are his nine children Kathryn T. McGuigan (Thomas M. Montalbano) of Playa del Rey, CA, James Anthony, Jr. (Theresa) of Phoenixville, PA, Patricia M. Payne (James) of Catonsville, MD, Maureen E. McGuigan (Richard T. Descano) of Petaluma, CA, Colleen R. McGuigan of Woodbine, NJ, Eileen M. Cox of Drexel Hill, PA, Sean T. McGuigan (Theresa) of Somers Point, NJ, Liam P. McGuigan of Conshohocken, PA and Kevin R. McGuigan (Stacey) of Sewell, NJ, 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Jane S. McGuigan of Marietta, GA and Sr. Theresa Marian McCormick of Reading, PA, his brother-in-law Edmund Tunitis of Macungie, PA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to his viewing Sunday, March 1, 2015 5:00-7:00 PM The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA (610) 449-0300 and Monday, March 2, 2015 10:00-10:50 AM Marple Presbyterian Church, 105 N. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA followed by his Service at 11:00 AM. Interment is private.
Donations in Jim's name may be made to the Upper Darby Detachment of the Marine Corps League, 1026 Providence Road, Secane, PA 19018 or the Marple Presbyterian Church, 105 N. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008.
Visitation
Monday, March 2, 2015 10:00 AM - 10:50 AMMarple Presbyterian Church
105 N. Sproul Road Broomall 19008, United States
Funeral Service
Monday, March 2, 2015 11:00 AMMarple Presbyterian Church
105 N. Sproul Road Broomall 19008, United States
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