James Judge O’Grady, Sr.

James J. O’Grady, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, godfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2021, in Greenville, SC, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 14, 1928, in Buffalo, New York to Valentine Earl and Agnes (Judge) O’Grady, and was blessed by four older sisters, Betty Green, Mary Lou Taylor, Janet O’Grady, and Anne Rivard, all of whom he adored. Jim received a Jesuit education and was a graduate of Canisius College in Buffalo. He proudly served in the United States Navy after college. An entrepreneur and beach lover, he began a business in Long Beach Ontario called the “Long Dog,” where he met his beautiful bride, Eileen, to whom he was married to for sixty-six years before her death in 2019. His business successes included management positions with Sears Roebuck and Wickes Lumber Company, but his greatest source of peace and joy was his Catholic faith, and his wonderful marriage to Eileen (Deo Gratias as he often said). He was a source of unconditional love for Eileen, his seven children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, godchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless other family members and friends. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A devout member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, he was known to all as a most faithful Catholic, and an exemplar of faith, generosity, and humility. In addition to having keen business acumen, he was also an avid reader, music lover, provider, giver of great counsel and comfort, host, adoring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He was known by all for his brilliant wit and ability to make people laugh and provide comfort, love, joy, and peace wherever he was. Jim lived his life as a follower of Jesus Christ, and while we know he rests in His arms for eternity, he will also live in our hearts forever. Keep him in thy watchful care.

Jim is survived by 7 adoring children: Kathy O’Grady Bagwell of Greenville, SC, James (Margaret) O’Grady II of Roswell, Georgia, Colleen (Steven) Sperando of St. Charles, Illinois, Maureen (Timothy) Simpson of Macomb, Michigan, Dr. Sheila (Andrew) O’Grady-Irwin of Greenville, Sharon (Richard) Fink of Charlotte, NC, and Eileen (Charlie) Bobo III, of Greenville, SC. He is also survived by loving grandchildren including: Anna Bagwell of Greenville, SC, Jay (Elisabeth) Bagwell of Easley, SC, Elizabeth (Ray) Baek of Fairfax, VA, James (Melissa) O’Grady III of Atlanta, GA, Thomas O’Grady of West Palm Beach, FL, Stephen (Sara) Sperando of Parkland, FL, Kathryn (Sam) Odom of Elburn, Il, Lauren (Joe) Breeden of Elburn, Il, Mary, Valerie and Laura Simpson of Macomb, Michigan, Timothy and Molly Irwin of Greenville, SC, Matthew (Kristin) and Kevin Irwin of Greenville, SC, and George Bobo and Charlie Bobo IV both of Greenville, SC. He also has 19 cherished great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by a beloved brother-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Eileen O’Grady, Jim is predeceased in death by his sisters, his great-granddaughter, Sarah O’Grady Baek, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, 639 North Main Street, Greenville SC 29601. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1209 Brushy Creek Road, Taylors, SC 29687. Burial in Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC will follow the funeral.

The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional, tender, loving care Jim received from his caregivers, namely Clara and Pat.

Memorial donations in memory of James J. O’Grady, Sr. may be made to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Taylors SC.

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