James P. O'Grady

James P. O'Grady, 81, passed away in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. James was born in Newark, N.J. to Jeremiah and Rose (nee Smith) O'Grady, and was a longtime resident of Union, NJ before moving to Port St. Lucie.
James was predeceased by his wife Nancy, his son Jimmy, his brother Kevin and his sister Anna Mae O'Grady. James is survived by his loving daughter, Janice Coulther and her husband, Roger, of Vernon, NJ, his two grandsons, the lights of his life, Ryan and Kevin, his brother, Jerry O'Grady of Nazareth, Pa., his sister-in-law Debbie O'Grady and his many nieces and nephews.
James served in the United States Army during the Cold War, receiving the Good Conduct Medal. In his youth, James played football for Westside High School, Newark, NJ and at the University of Miami. He was inducted into the City of Newark Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. James was an avid sports fan, attending Orange Bowls, Rose Bowls, Notre Dame games, Super Bowls and World Series games. He loved college sports. James is a Lifetime Member of Ironworkers' Local 11, Bloomfield, NJ, a member of American Legion Post #14, Millburn, NJ and a member of Elks Lodge #2004, Springfield, N.J.
Relatives and friends will be received on Wednesday July 6, from 3-7 p.m. at the Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home 241 RT. 94 Vernon, NJ (GPS use 1 Vanderhoof Ct.) All are invited to the funeral home on Thursday, July 7, at 9 a.m. for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial service at St. Francis de Sales RC Church, Vernon, N.J. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Vernon Youth Football, PO Box 824, Vernon, NJ 07462. For directions and condolences please go to www.fergusonvernonfuneralhome.com.