James McGill
James McGill
James McGill, 86, of Newtown, died August 14 at Danbury Hospital. He was the husband of Janet H. (Murphy) McGill.
He was born in Forest Hills, N.Y., June 26, 1918, son of the late James and Florence (Kennedy) McGill. He was a graduate of Kew Forest School, Kew Forest, N.Y., and St Paulâs Prep, Garden City, N.Y.
Mr McGill led the Jimmy McGill Orchestra from 1934 to 1943, with appearances that included the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. He swam for the New York Athletic Club Water Polo Team and in racing events. James McGill replaced Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller in Billy Roseâs âAquacadeâ at the 1939 Worldâs Fair in a synchronized swimming exhibition with Eleanor Holmes.
He was a US Coast Guard World War II veteran. His interest included his family, music, community theater, boating, skiing, and tennis. At the time of his retirement, he was district sales manager for the Hotpoint Division of General Electric Corp.
He had resided in the towns of Port Washington, N.Y., Stony Brook, N.Y., Ridge, N.Y., and Newtown.
In addition to his beloved wife Janet of 64 years, he is survived by a son, Jeffrey Porter McGill; grandchildren, Melissa McGill, Brad Douglas McGill, Jennifer Read, and Heather McGill; great grandchild Josh Schoger, Jr; and nieces Anne Cook and Grace McGraw. He was predeceased by his son, James McGill, Jr, and a daughter, Jeryl W. Read.
His love for life and kindness to all who were fortunate enough to have known him will live on in their hearts.
A memorial service will be held at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Road, on Sunday, September 19, at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr McGillâs memory may be made to Alzheimerâs Assoc, Connecticut Chapter, 96 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106.
The Newtown Bee       August 20, 2004