James McGrath

James Patrick (Pat) McGrath left this world and moved on to reunite with his wife in Heaven, on February 6, 2017. Pat had a chance to see and visit with all six of his kids and most of his grandkids in his last few months. He spent the holiday season surrounded by family, and as was typical of almost every family event, there was much laughter, music, singing and even some Irish dancing! Two weeks ago Pat was honored with The Quilt of Valor given to him for his service in the USMC during the Korean War; with much of his family in attendance. Pat spent the last year of his life going on many adventures, and visiting several of his favorite people and places. Shortly after the holiday season, Pat stated that he had seen it all and done it all, and was ready to move on, and keeping with his stubborn Irish nature; he did just that.

Pat as born on April 30, 1935, in Ventura, Ca. to Dominick and Mary McGrath. He attended Immaculate Heart High School in Coeur d’ Alene. In 1953, Pat enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served overseas in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. After his time in the service he attended North Idaho College in Coeur d’ Alene.

Pat married his lifelong sweetheart, Prudence (Prudy) McGrath on Aug. 17, 1957, in St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d’ Alene. Although they lived several places during their married life, including The Dalles, Ore., upon his retirement they returned to Coeur d’ Alene – the place they first met and fell in love. They were married for more than 58 years. His beautiful wife, Prudy, passed away just a little over a year before him. She was his everything, and his world was not the same without her in it.

Along with being a family man and a Korean War Veteran, Pat was a Les Schwab manager for 24 years. He started, as a manager, for Les Schwab when the company bought out the General Tires store in Kellogg, Idaho in 1966. A few years later he transferred to The Dalles, Ore, where he had a successful career until his retirement in 1989. Pat volunteered for several different organizations and served as a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Pat was well loved by all who knew him; he was always the life of the party with his quick wit and fun-loving sense of humor. He had the gift of the blarney and could weave a story that kept everyone entertained. He was the “favorite uncle” to his many nieces and nephews and was truly beloved by all.

His legacy continues through his children: Patricia (Trish) & husband Roger Rouleau; James (Jamie) McGrath; Margaret (Meg) & husband Priamo Paulino; Kathleen (Kathy) McGrath; Kerry Erwin; and Bridget & husband Cody Munson. Along with his 18 grandchildren: Brandon, Ryan and Andrew Young; Zori and Molly Rouleau; Dillon and Dalton McGrath; Patrick, Matthew, Christopher and Sadie Paulino; Sierra McGrath; Janey, Kasey and Levi Clemons; McKell Wilson, Elliott and Quinlan Brannan; One great grandchild – Cadence Young; and six step grandkids. He will forever be in our hearts!

Funeral Services will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d Alene, Idaho on Friday February 10, 2017 at 10 am. Reception to follow in the parish center.