Obituary of James E. McGrath

James E. McGrath, 76, of 6 Division St. Lakewood, NY, passed away at 9:51 pm. Tuesday (July 17, 2012) in his home surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong area resident he was born September 23, 1935 in Jamestown, NY the son of the late Leslie R. and Florene Trask McGrath. He was a 1955 graduate of Southwestern Central School. Before his retirement in 1996, he was employed by the National Fuel Gas Company for over 40 years. He was an active member of the Ingjald Lodge # 65, Independent Order of the Vikings where he served as Chief in 1994, and was also a member of the Ellery Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved spending time with his family at his home on Chautauqua Lake. Surviving are three sons, Paul M. McGrath with whom he made his home in Lakewood, James D. McGrath of Falconer, NY, Adam J. McGrath of Gerry, NY, two grandchildren, Shannon and Melissa McGrath both of Jamestown, a sister Margaret Gross of Wyoming, NY and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife the former Mary Anderson McGrath whom he married September 4, 1965 and who died March 4, 2010 and a step-sister Diana Harding. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Roy E. Ferguson, pastor of the Busti Church of God will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 7-9 pm Friday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department, 37 JW Packard Blvd. Lakewood, NY 14750 or to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750.