James McGann

James (Jim) Francis McGann Jr. passed away on January 12, 2026, in Naples, FL at the age of 96. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Jacqueline (Jackie) Burns McGann to whom he was happily married for 60 years. Jim was born April 10, 1929, at the family home on Port Avenue in Elizabeth, New Jersey to James and Anna Marie (Ford) McGann. He had a younger sister, Patricia McGann (deceased). Jim attended school at St. Patrick in Elizabeth and graduated in 1947 as Salutatorian of his senior class. On June 10, 1950 he married his high school sweetheart Jackie whom he had known since they went through the Sacrament of Confirmation together at St.Patrick in 1942. After the marriage they honeymooned at Split Rock Lodge in the Pocono Mountains. Together with Jackie they were proud parents of Jill (Michael, deceased) Brigante of Hillsborough, NJ; Kevin (Linda, deceased) McGann of Aurora, OH; Patrick (Ellen) McGann of Hinsdale IL; and Jennifer (James) Evans of Kalamazoo, MI and Naples, FL. Their legacy also includes numerous beloved grandchildren Michael (Claire), and Patrick McGann; MaryEllen McGann; Jacqueline (Simeon) Vargas and Virginia Brigante; Michael (Kimberlee) Evans, and Stacy (Matthew) Evans McLaughlin); and great grandchildren (Rory, Lyla, Emma, Mary, and Nolan McGann; Franchesco (Frankie) and Giuseppe (Joey) Brigante; Jordan Vargas; Thomas and Jacob Evans, and Louis Evans McLaughlin). After getting married, Jim attended college by going to night school and graduated from Seton Hall University in June 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a minor in Philosophy. The day after completing his education he began his career in the chemical industry in Wilmington, DE. He was initially employed in technical roles working as a chemist focusing on product development. In 1960 he transitioned to the commercial side of the business and held various roles which required the family to relocate to Minneapolis, MN; then to Westfield, NJ; and ultimately Columbus, OH. He retired in 1991 from Sherex Chemical Company as Corporate Officer and was Vice President - Administration/Corporate Development. Soon after retiring Jim and Jackie moved to Bonita Springs, FL. Jim had many interests including spending time with family; travel (he and Jackie traveled extensively in North America and globally; visiting over 30 countries); golf (he was a member of Worthington Hills Country Club in Worthington, OH; and Worthington Country Club in Bonita Springs, FL); photography; studying foreign languages (German and Spanish); he took Chemistry and Accounting courses and served as a Teacher's Assistant at Florida Gulf Coast University; and was a devoted fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, New York Yankees, and Seton Hall Pirates. A Celebration of Life honoring Jim is being planned by his family for a future date. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the caregivers at Avow Hospice who ensured his final days were dignified and peaceful. Donations can be made in his name to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.

James McGann

April 10, 1929 - January 12, 2026