James R. Hagan age 87 of the Packanack Lake section of Wayne died peacefully on Sunday, January 24, 2010 with the comfort of his family by his side.
Jim was born and raised in New York City then moved to Wayne 51 years ago with his wife Catherine and two daughters Bonnie and Cathy. He became a snowbird after retirement and spent some quality time in Sarasota, Florida before moving back to Wayne. Jim was a fun-loving guy who loved life and made friends where ever he went. Jim was “the Greatest Dad in the World” to his two daughters. He taught them to “Love Much, Laugh Often and to Live Life” to its fullest. He will be missed by all. He was proud of his accomplishments and so we would like to share his life’s journey with you.
Jim was born in the family home in New York City on January 31, 1922. They soon moved to Woodside, Queens, NY after the death of his father in 1929 when he was only 7. As a young boy, during the depression era, he helped his family by selling lemonade to construction workers, delivering newspapers and cleaning stables. Coming from an Irish family, he was always proud to call himself an Irishman. He was known as Buddy to all his friends and family.
When WWII began, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy on October 20, 1942. While in the Navy he served as an Electricians Mate Third Class on the USS Brooklyn. He saw action in the invasions of Sicily, Salerno and Anzio, and was discharged from the Navy on September 28, 1945. He was always proud of his service in the Navy and to his country.
Jim was a boxer with twenty-six fights in the ring. In 1947 fighting in the126 lb class of The Golden Gloves he won a medal. Jim was also a semi-pro pitcher for the Barrel Rollers a New York championship softball team.
During this time, Jimmy also met his soon to be wife, Catherine McCarron, at a “Dollar for a Dance and a Beer” dance where he was introduced to her by his older brother Charlie. They married on November 7, 1948 and honeymooned in Florida. They settled down in New York City. After the birth of their second daughter they moved to Packanack Lake in 1958. Jim turned an antiquated house into a beautiful home through all his hard work. They had a loving, fun filled and devoted marriage of forty-two years before Catherine’s passing on February 19, 1990.
Jim worked at a book bindery, was employed by the US Post Office and then secured a job with the New York Telephone Company, New York City, where he worked for 33 years before retiring in 1984. Jim was a Frame man, Lineman, Installer, Foreman and Repairman. After The fire in Lower Manhattan, he was instrumental in getting phone service back to lower NYC, and received an award from the City of New York. During his working years, he and Catherine also went to real estate school and earned their Real Estate Licenses.
Jim loved Packanack Lake and was an active member of the Community. One of Jim’s passions was fishing. He was a founder and past-president of the Packanack Angler’s Club. He was a County Committeeman for the Republican Party and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1931, Wayne. Jim was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, Wayne.
His favorite place to be, was sitting on his front porch, with a “nippy dippy do”, watching everyone walk around the lake. Many visitors would stop when they saw him. Jim loved to cook, as well as feed everyone that came to his home, and fed many a visiting friend. This was one of the ways he “bribed” the friends of his daughters to help him put up his backyard screen house. For an Irishman he cooked the best Italian food!
Jim and Catherine were world travelers, jaunting off to such places as: London, Whales, Scotland, Venezuela, Japan, Ireland, Greece, Morocco, Mexico and many islands of the Caribbean. One of the most memorable trips was in 1965 when they packed up the car and the kids and took a five week trip across the USA. There were many stops at old Navy buddies homes as they crisscrossed the nation, stopping at National Parks and tourist spots.
Being a Grandpa was another thrill in his life. He loved being with Brian and Tara and watching them grow up, and teaching them many things. When in Florida, he would call often. He always ended all their phone calls with a “Hug-Hug Kiss-Kiss”
Jim was a snowbird, at first only spending winters, and then eventually living year round in Sarasota Florida, at Glen Oaks. He was active in his beloved community, going to the pool, playing cards, and having fun at the numerous community parties. He had many wonderful friends there.
He was a longtime Yankee fan, and in his retirement watched the games every day. The Giants were his favorite football team.
He spent his last year back in Wayne at Sunrise, and again made many wonderful friends.
He was the beloved husband of forty-two years to the late Catherine (McCarron) Hagan (1990); loving father of Bonnie Luccio and her husband Kevin of Bloomingdale, Cathy Murphy and her husband Doug of Wayne and cherished grandfather of Brian and Tara Murphy; beloved brother of Kathleen Colgan of Enfield, CT and the late Charles and George Hagan, and many nieces and nephews
Friends may celebrate Jim’s life by “The Wearing of the Green” with his family
on Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne.
Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM on Friday, January 29, 2010 from the funeral home and then to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church(across the street from the funeral home) where a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass will be offered.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, 140 Littleton Road, Suite 200, Parsippany, NJ 07054