James McGrane
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Obituary for James M. McGrane

James M. (Jim) McGrane, born 9/20/1925, passed away at Immaculate Mary Rehab on 3/16/2021.

Jim McGrane was born & raised in West Philadelphia, and educated at Transfiguration grade school, West (Phila.) Catholic High School for Boys, and Spring Garden Institute for two years. Jim overcame scarlet fever when he was ~age 5-6, and grew up during the Great Depression. During high school, Jim played End on West Catholic’s city-wide championship Burrs football team. Jim served honorably in the US Navy in the South Pacific, during World War II.

Jim was a hard-working warehouseman in industrial electricity for most of his adult life. Since Jim never drove a car, he was an avid walker, and walked to the train/bus/subway, etc. Jim began serious bicycling when he was ~49 for his cardiac health, used his bike for commuting, and also exercised faithfully at the gym. Jim was a big fan of the South Jersey seashore, and enjoyed many summer vacations in Ventnor, Margate, Longport, Ocean City, etc. Jim inspired his daughter Linda to join him on bike rides, and the two became devoted cycling companions. Jim became involved in the American Cancer Society’s annual Bike-a-thon to Atlantic City in the late 1970’s, and rode in this event for decades. Jim’s daughter continues this tradition.

Jim was a devoted and wise father, who taught his daughter many valuable lessons, including this one: “Always send a ‘Thank You’ card.”

Jim continued to bicycle, well into his 80’s. When Jim was in his 70’s, he bought himself a new Trek hybrid bike for errands and commuting. When he noticed that the chart of gearing ratios was not included in the owner’s manual, Jim wrote a letter to Trek Bikes to ask for the gearing ratios, and explained that he was still cycling in his 70’s. Jim received a congratulatory letter (and the gearing ratios) from the President of Trek Bikes, commending him on still riding.

During retirement, Jim became more involved in cooking & homemaking, attending church, supporting the West Catholic Alumni Association, playing “Grandpop” to cats at home, and helping his daughter with bike club events. Jim always enjoyed listening to the radio, and was a fan of music from the Frank Sinatra style/era, e.g., Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, etc. Jim and Linda were perennial participants at the Kent County Spring Fling cycling event on Memorial Day weekend in Chestertown, MD, and the West Catholic Alumni Association’s “Burrs at the Beach” reunion party in North Wildwood in late June.

Jim is survived by his Ex-wife, Iris, his daughter, Linda, and friend Alan Fitton. Jim’s younger sister Marion C. McGrane (nee 4/8/1927) passed away in October, 2020. Jim was also a nurturing godfather to his godson Andrew Callahan, and was loved and admired by many close family friends. Jim remained physically active and determined to maintain his exercise & vitamin regimen until very recently.

Jim's family wll receive relatives and friends on Thursday, March 25, from 10 to 11:15AM, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 611 Knowles Ave. Southampton, PA 18966. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:15AM. Jim will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, PA.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider honoring Jim’s legacy by donating to West (Philadelphia) Catholic Prep High School, 4501 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139, www.westcatholic.org.

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