James Thomas O’Grady, 78, of River Plaza, passed away peacefully July 1, 2022, surrounded by his family, at Riverview Medical Center. James was born in Manhattan, New York, to John and Violet (Sager) O’Grady. He attended Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, and earned his associate of arts degree.
James honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam, and retired after 25-plus years of service. Later he went on to work for Ford Motor Company in various positions over the years until he retired.
He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan, loved to read books, spend time at Barnes & Noble and was a huge movie buff. But he loved nothing more than his kids, grandchildren, great-grandson and dog Barkley.
James was predeceased by his parents, his brother Fred and, in 1988, by his fiancé Alison Anderson.
He is survived by his children, Dawn Mowery and husband Lee of Holmdel, Michael Ann Fisher and husband Richard of Delaware, Jacqueline Coneeny and husband Dan of Lincroft, and Kevin O’Grady and wife Alexis of River Plaza; grandchildren, Heather, Kara, Evan, Brooke, RJ and Riley; and great-grandson Grayson. James is also survived by his former wife Sandra O’Grady.
Friends and family visited July 7 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Graveside services took place July 8 at Fair View Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Ave., Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the September 1 – 8, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
