James William “Jim” McGrady, age 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11:25 a.m., surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Newark, New Jersey on August 10, 1951, Jim was a lifelong New Jerseyan. He grew up in Maplewood and graduated from Columbia High School. He had been a resident of Warren, New Jersey since 1991. For 35 years, he dedicated his career to Snap-On Tools, where he was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and the friendships he formed throughout his life.
Jim was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church in Watchung. Through his church, he volunteered at a soup kitchen in Newark to feed the homeless, offering his time and compassion to those in need. He enjoyed staying active, including swimming laps at the YMCA, and loved following current events. A devoted Yankees and Giants fan, he especially enjoyed lively conversations about politics and sports. Jim was known for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and playful sarcasm, which could make anyone laugh and brought warmth to all who knew him. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and friends.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Patrick McGrady and Margaret Ellen McGrady, and by his brother Michael McGrady.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lois Ann McGrady; his son, James Michael McGrady and his wife Nadia McGrady; and his twin daughters, Kelly Anne McGrady and her husband Christopher John Mott, and Amanda Lynn McGrady and her husband Raymond Ortiz Jr. Jim was the proud grandfather of Madeline Maria McGrady, age 5, and Emma Elizabeth McGrady, age 2.
Jim is also survived by his siblings: Kathleen Thiemer, Patrick McGrady, and Ellen McGrady, along with many extended family members and friends who will forever hold his memory close.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church, 225 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. Cremation will be private. A repast luncheon will follow the Mass, at Cafe Rustica, 3188 Valley Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital [LINK], a cause dear to his heart.
The family would be grateful for any photos, stories, or messages shared on Jim’s Tribute Wall on the Higgins Home for Funerals website.
James William “Jim” McGrady, age 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11:25 a.m., surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Newark, New Jersey on August 10, 1951, Jim was a lifelong New Jerseyan. He grew up in Maplewood and graduated from Columbia High School. He had been a resident of