James McGrath

James P. “Jim” McGrath

Age 64 of Shorewood, IL, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family by his side.

Born November 6, 1954 in Joliet, IL, Jim was a son of Edward L. & Rita (nee Phillips) McGrath.

He was raised and educated in Wilton Center, St Joseph School, Manhattan, IL, Peotone High School, and graduated from Lewis University with the class of 1976.

On September 2, 1978, Jim married Jeanne M. Pellegrini in St. Patrick Church, Joliet.  And together they lived in Wilton Center, Washington State, Texas, Pennsylvania and most recently in Shorewood, IL.

Jim’s employment consisted of overseeing several large call centers throughout his career.

He was a devoted member of Pathway Christian Church.

In Jim’s free time he enjoyed woodworking, yardwork, playing euchre, barbecuing, RV “Roughing it smoothly” camping, and watching the Chicago Cubs and Bears.

His love of football was evident as he played on the team during his junior and senior years in high school.

Jim and Jeanne enjoyed a memorable Alaskan trip in 2016 following his retirement.

Jim was diagnosed with Glioblastoma on February 13, 2018. During his journey, it afforded him the opportunity to meet many

doctors, nurses, transport service women and men. His favorite saying to them was, “Jesus loves you, and we are trusting in Him.”

Jeanne takes great comfort in knowing how much Jim loved our Lord.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Jeanne, three sons: Phillip, Stephen and Patrick McGrath, mother: Rita, siblings; Patricia (Robert) Berg, Mary (Craig) Bisping, William (Melissa) McGrath, Thomas (Kirsten) McGrath, brothers and sisters-in-law; Mark (Barb) Pellegrini, Patricia (David) Boley, Michael (Heidi) Pellegrini, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father: Edward L. McGrath and brother: Daniel McGrath.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At Pathway Christian Church – 19554 N.W. Frontage Road Shorewood, IL 60404.

An additional memorial visitation will be held on Monday, February 18, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Pathway Christian Church, Rev. Jim Revelle, Lead Pastor, officiating.

There will be No Funeral Home visitation or services.

Preferred memorial may be made as gifts in Jim’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s research Hospital or Habitat for Humanity.

Relatives and friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL   815-735-2125