James "Jim" Mcgrath

James, "Jim" McGrath, 86, of Freeport Illinois passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2015. Jim was born in Highland, Wisconsin to Raymond and Regina (Doyle) McGrath on May 8, 1929. Jim attended high school at Loras Academy and went on to receive his B.S. in Chemistry from Loras College in 1950. In 1951, Jim married the love of his life, Cliffene Nelson. That same year, Jim also graduated from U.S. Army Basic Airborne School as a paratrooper. He went on to serve his country honorably as part of the 11th Airborne Division, 1951 - 1953. Jim and Cliffene moved to Freeport in 1954 where Jim would join Micro Switch/Honeywell and begin a satisfying 33 year career. Jim got the opportunity to work for Honeywell Europe spending 4 yrs in Edinburgh, Scotland and Brussels, Belgium, creating some very special memories. After retiring, Jim spent an active and productive life, participating in Kiwanis and volunteering at the Senior Center. Jim enjoyed cheering on his Cubs and Bears and playing Euchre with the grandkids. He was the family expert on loading a dishwasher! Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cliffene, and two children, his daughter, Karen Tebrich and her husband Chuck of Columbia SC and his son, Mike and his wife Janin of Molalla, Oregon. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and by his daughter, Patricia Sears. Surviving grandchildren, Jessica Curtis and her husband Tyler of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Steven Tebrich and his wife Lorna of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Courtney McGrath, Meghan McGrath and Audra McGrath of Molalla, Oregon have many fond memories of time spent with Grandpa. Cremation rites have been accorded. A family celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date. Jim's family would like to thank Freeport Hospice for the care and compassion shown Jim and his family in Jim's final days. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Freeport Hospice Network. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories.