Thursday, April 25, 2024
On Wednesday, July 24, 2019, James Patrick McDwyer, devoted husband and father, passed away surrounded by his loving family, at age 85.
James was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 1, 1934, to John and Lilian McDwyer. Jim graduated from St. Bonaventure University, Olean, New York. He met the love of his life, Karen Marie Galluch, in Chicago and they were married on November 6, 1965, in Buffalo, New York. They had three children together; John Patrick, Heather Ann, and Kara Christine. James spent more than 45 years in ocean marine insurance. His job took the family from the New Jersey area to Texas in 1978.
James had a calling to serve. He has always been active in the Catholic church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a long-time volunteer for USS Swimming, acting as an official. He also volunteered for The Special Olympics and TAFF Swimming. He gave over 20 years of service to the swimming community. He always had a smile and a kind word for all those he met. After moving to Granbury after his retirement, James was active in Meals on Wheels and Mission Granbury. He was serving others until the very end.
James loved cooking. He was well known for his BBQ brisket, fried catfish, and his hot chili. James loved to create new recipes and shared his cooking with friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We will all fondly remember his wonderful culinary creations.
James was preceded in death by his father, John and his mother, Lillian. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Karen, his children, John and Monika McDwyer, Heather and Elliot Goldman, and Kara McDwyer. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Grace and Grant Goldman, his sisters, Joanne Larkin, Patricia Sullivan, Geraldine McDwyer, his brother, Bernard McDwyer, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
In celebration of his life, a memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at 10:00 AM at St. Frances of Cabrini Catholic Church in Granbury, Texas, preceded by a Rosary and Vigil on Friday, August 23 at 6:00 PM also at St. Frances of Cabrini. The family would love to honor James' Irish heritage by asking those who can attend to wear green. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mission Granbury in honor of James McDwyer.
A rosary will be held at 6:00 PM on 2019-08-23 at St. Frances of Cabrini Catholic Church, 2301 Acton Highway, Granbury, TX, USA.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 AM on 2019-08-24 at St. Frances of Cabrini Catholic Church, 2301 Acton Highway, Granbury, TX, USA.
