surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Kingston to Mary and John McGarry on November 26,

1948. He was a graduate of Kingston High School, SUNY New Paltz and Albany Law School.

He was honorably discharged from the US Navy having served from 1967-1971.He was in private practice from 1978-1992 and retired in 2004 from the Ulster County Department of Social Services as supervising attorney.

Jim was honored to serve as a member of the first Ulster County Charter Revision Committee. At the urging of his wife, Jim became a reluctant member of the League of Women Voters of the Mid- Hudson Region. This turned out to be a most rewarding experience as he used his considerable computer knowledge to guide the league into the digital age.

Jim sang in the Kingston High School choir under the direction of Leonard Stine which established his lifelong appreciation of music and singing. As an adult, Jim sang for many years in the Mendelssohn Club of Kingston and the St. Mary of the Snow choir.

Jim was proud of his Irish heritage and was a longstanding member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. With his keen intelligence and inquisitive mind, he enjoyed attending the Lifespring Adult Learning Program where he also volunteered his technical skills.

Jim was also an amateur photographer and a master bread maker.

Jim enjoyed his sons as they grew up, going on numerous hiking and camping events with Scouts or supporting them in hockey and baseball. He willingly and patiently passed on his knowledge which continued when he became a grandfather. His granddaughter, Ashlyn, credits her grandfather for her interest in photography and choosing a career in the culinary arts.

Jim loved his home and in his earlier years, he landscaped his property by creating beautiful bluestone walls, walkways and gardens. Each piece of bluestone he carefully picked out and placed with great pride. Looking out from the deck one day, he remarked, "I never want to leave this place." The family takes great comfort that this request was made possible with the exceptional support of hospice and his personal caretaker and friend, Dhyan Singh.

Jim leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Jean (Felton), his loving sons and daughters- in- law, Peter (Meghan) and Conor (Shauna). He was the proud Poppy of Ashlyn, Liam and Owen. Also surviving are his faithful and supportive siblings MaryLee (Al Queen), Charlie (Jan) and Tom (Marlayne). Being introduced to the Felton family at 14 years old, he had a special bond with his brothers- in- law, Rand (Mary), Les (Shirley) and Kirk (Audrey). Numerous nieces and nephews will always remember Uncle Jim for all the family gatherings and celebrations that he so welcomed and encouraged.