James Mcgill

James Stafford McGill, 93, of Bound Brook, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, at his home, on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, after a long and rewarding life. “Jim” was born August 1, 1922, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to the late James and Estella [Stafford] McGill. His birth took place seven minutes after his twin brother, John S. McGill. Most of his life was shared with Jack. Jim was seven years old when the family relocated in Nape Valley, Rhode Island. His finest childhood memories include the summers he and Jack spent at the beach. This is where he developed his love for the beach and ocean. He was interested in the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Star Scout. After high school, Jim entered the University of Rhode Island. His education was interrupted by World War II. The brothers enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, serving in England, Germany, and France. Jim often talked of standing on the Champes Élysées and watching the celebration of VE Day. After being honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant in 1946, Jim resumed his studies at the University of Rhode Island. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In 1948, he graduated from Worcester State College with a Master’s Degree in Education. He taught Sixth Grade at Worcester. Because of his passion for sports, Jim became “Coach McGill” from 1950 to 1970. He made every boy feel special. He coached football, baseball, and basketball. His football team won six city championships. Later he became a middle school principal. Jim retired in 1985, having a memorable thirty-five years of services to the Worcester School System. After his retirement he became a resident of Jupiter, Florida, to escape the New England winters. He continued to summer in his West Dennis, Massachusetts, home in Cape Cod, and spent the fall in Bound Brook. While in Florida, he met and married Catherine Perone in 1991. They shared twenty-three wonderful years together before his passing. They traveled extensively from the Amazon to Zimbabwe, and cruised the Caribbean. Because of his great love of music, he attended many musicals in New York City. He enjoyed singing and was a talented vocalist. He also played the piano and trumpet. He was a devoted fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and the Boston Celtics. Jim was a voracious reader and had interest in history. He was an avid photographer. He shared a special bond with his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Predeceased by his twin brother and best buddy Jack in 2014, he is survived by his loving wife. Relatives and friends are lovingly invited to call 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. Sunday, December 6, at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 9:30 A.M. Monday from the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 A.M. Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church Chapel, Second Street, Bound Brook. He will be laid to rest at Bound Brook Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.