Obituary of James K. McGlade

On Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, James K. McGlade passed away, leaving his family and friends with incredible memories of a man — a force of nature — who loved his family deeply, lived his life honorably, shared whatever he had generously, and entertained family and friends with his stories and great sense of humor. Jim celebrated his 80th birthday on February 21, 2023.

Jim McGlade was born in Brooklyn, New York, the eldest son of John P. McGlade and Margaret McKeon-McGlade. He met Patricia Hall in 1960 and they began a friendship that turned into their long-lasting love. Pat and Jim were married for 58 years. He adored their daughter, Jeannine, and his grandchildren.

Jim served with the United States Marine Corps in the 1960s. In 1968, he began his 29 year career with the MTA Bridge and Tunnel Police, serving as Lieutenant for 22 of those years.

Jim was an excellent Chef and so many enjoyed his delicious cooking. Ask any friend or family member their favorite meal and it would span from brisket to tuna, mashed potatoes and chicken cutlets to frittatas, homemade pizza to shrimp creole, roast pork to crab cakes, and everything in between! No matter what he was cooking, you knew you would have a great meal when Jim was making it. And it was always made with so much love.

He was an artist, and an avid watch collector, and was the life of every party. He could tell the best jokes and stories, always leaving those around him laughing and entertained. Even until the very end, he was making those with him, laugh.

Jim enjoyed traveling with family and friends and in particular cruising. He enjoyed his family beach home on Eastern Long Island and spent many hours playing games with his family, making delicious meals, and watching the stars and planets in the clear night sky. He was always in awe of the mysteries of life.

What mattered most to him, above all else, was his family. His wife Pat, the love of his life, his daughter Jeannine and her husband, Andrew, his grandchildren Annaleise and James were all very close and spent a lot of time with one another. They often traveled together and made many wonderful memories over the years.

Ask someone how they would describe Jim and you will hear, “His heart was so big!” ”He brought laughter and joy when he entered any room!” ”A second father to me!” “So funny!” “Always cooking a great meal!” “A true Renaissance Man” “One of a kind!” “The Best of the Best!” and so on…

Jim was a long-time member of the Rockland County Shields, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Haverstraw Elks. He enjoyed reading novels and completing crossword puzzles, as well as gathering new information on watches, cruising, fishing, or cooking techniques.

Jim is survived by his wife, Pat, his daughter Jeannine, and her husband Andrew, his grandchildren, Annaleise and James, as well as his brothers John, Michael, and Thomas and his sister, Ann Esposito. His sister Eileen Long pre-deceased him. Other special family includes Emily Pek and Michael Robinson, Olivia Pek, Samantha Hernandez, sisters-and-brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends, who all loved him.

A Memorial Mass in Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.