James Richard McGarry

James Richard McGarry (86) of Sebring completed his earthly journey and passed to his heavenly reward on January 3, 2023. He was husband of the late Mary Rose (Love) McGarry and were married for 57 years. He is survived by later married Mary Lou Herald McGarry.

Born in the Bronx in 1936, James was raised in Goshen New York and was a long-time resident, raising their 5 children there until he and Mary Rose retired to Sebring in 2004. A graduate of Goshen High School in 1952, he briefly attended Orange County
Community College in Middletown NY before he joined the Marine Corps in 1953 where he was trained in aviation electronics. He proudly served in the Marines during the latter part of the Korean War until 1955 aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S Tarawa achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his service with the Marines, James went to work for Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. He began his career in 1957 in the line department and moved up through the line, electrician and relay departments until he was promoted to a management position systems operation-A in 1980 at the Energy Control Center where he remained until his retirement in 1999. During his work as a lineman, electrician and relay tech, James served as Secretary Treasurer of the local IBEW union chapter in Middletown, New York.  Jim holds a diploma from the New York Power Pool dispatchers.

He was a proud member of the Minisink Hook and Ladder Co. 1 volunteer fire company and was elected 1 st Lieutenant before retiring from that service.

In 1980, Jim and Mary were appointed New York Delegates by New York Senator Patrick J. Moynihan to the National Conference on Family. They also served the Arch-Diocese of New York as Unit Coordinators for the New York Family Life Bureau and Orange County (NY) Coordinators for the Pre-Cana marriage preparation program from 1981 to 1987. They coordinated the Engaged Encounter for Diocese of Newark, Brooklyn, Rockville Center Trenton, Metucheon, Patterson and New York 1982-1987. They were also involved with Marriage Encounter 1976-1980. As team leaders trained couples 1980-1999.  He was also involved in the Christian Family Movement 1964-1972.

At Church, James served on the Parish Council at St. John’s The Evangelist (Goshen, NY) for six years and Annual Parish Assembly, 1996-2000 and was a member of the Knights of Columbus serving with councils in both Sebring and Goshen, New York. In 2005, he achieved 4th Degree in Sebring with the Pope John the XXIII Council #5441.

Deacon James was ordained in June 1999 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City by His Eminence Cardinal John O’Connor. He attended. St. Joseph’s Seminary Dunwoodie, Yonkers, NY in preparation for his ordination. He served as deacon at St. John’s and
later at St. Catherine’s of Siena in Sebring were he loved serving, preaching, counseling and ministering to the faithful.

Deacon Jim was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Goshen New York and would proudly participate in many veteran’s services both in New York and Florida. He also wrote – “the Deacon’s Corner” for the monthly newsletter from the Knights of
Columbus Pope John the XXIII Council #5441 from 2005 to 2014.

James was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. Many fond memories of the hunting camp at O&R’s property were with him until then end. He was a huge Yankee and Giants fan but was routinely conflicted with his son when it involved the Buffalo Bills! James loved college football as was a fan of the Clemson Tigers!

He was predeceased by his beloved Mary Rose, daughter Sheila, parents, James Edward and Grace (Haertel) McGarry,  brothers Robert and Gerard (“Ronnie”), and cousins Donald Haertel and Kevin McGarry.

In addition to Mary Lou Herald McGarry, Deacon Jim is survived by children Michael (Paula) of Simpsonville SC, Patrick of Basalt, CO, Coleen McDonald (Michael) of Lantana FL and Cathleen McGarry of Sebring. He is also survived by grandchildren Michael McGarry Jr. (Taryn), Brian McGarry (Kristine), Tara McGarry Boulware (James), Patrick McGarry Jr, Matthew McGarry, Bryan St. Cyr (Shanice), Logan St. Cyr (Victoria), Angelina Roy, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to his care giver Sara Leon for her devotion, companionship and care over the last 7 years.

Funeral Mass will be 10am on Monday January 16, 2023 at St. Catherine Siena Catholic Church 820 Hickory St, Sebring, FL 33870. Visitation with recitation of the Rosary will be 4pm-6pm on Sunday January 15, 2023 in the Church Hall of St. Catherine’s.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Catherine’s School (https://www.stcatheschool.org/onlinegiving).
Arrangements by the Morris Funeral Chapel , Sebring.