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James Joseph McGrail Jr., age 97, of Wheeling passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024 at Liza's Place Care Center.
Jim was the only son of James J. McGrail and Bernetta Beltz McGrail. He was preceded in death by his parents and his four older sisters – Eileen McGrail Ritter, Joan McGrail Nau, Sarah "Sally" McGrail Mull and Lenore McGrail Noll; two grandsons, James McGrail IV and Jonathan McGrail.
Born February 27, 1927 in Wheeling, WV he enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 serving in WWII. He served on the USS Vincennes in the Pacific Theater of the war. His service was a source of pride and joy throughout his life.
He began working at the age of 15 eventually selling insurance for Reserve Life with promotion to district manager in Charleston, WV and returning to Wheeling in the same position. After returning to Wheeling he was recruited by One Hour Valet Dry Cleaning becoming the general manager for all operations in Wheeling and Bellaire, OH. Due to health he left One Hour Valet returning to work as the manager of Valley Motors in Martins Ferry, OH. He then purchased and operated Carol Cleaners in Wheeling, WV. At the end of his work life he was the owner and operator of McGrail Realty.
While working for Reserve Life he met his future wife Eileen Rarey. Jim and Eileen were married in 1953 and had a family of eight children. Providing for a large family was perhaps his greatest accomplishment.
He was the first president of the Ohio Valley Dry Cleaners Association and also served as president and a coach for Elm Grove Boys Baseball.
He was an avid golfer and bowler. Later in life he loved to cheer for the WVU Mountaineers and collect "matchbox" style cars.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Carroll Council 504 which included serving as financial secretary and as chair of the nomination committee.
Although he never completed high school he valued the benefits of formal education and assured that his children completed theirs.
Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Eileen Rarey McGrail; his four sons James (Deborah), Mark (Jody), Scott, Todd (Susan); his four daughters Kim Knapp, Kit (Edward) Sloane, Kris (Thomas) Bowman and Kelly (Scott) Cook; 12 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren; 10 nephews and nieces.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 10:30 am until 11:30 am at Altmeyer Funeral Homes Wheeling Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Welty Home, 21 Washington Avenue, Wheeling, WV or by visiting tmcfunding. com.
The family expresses their grateful appreciation to The Welty Home and Liza's Place for the excellent care, respect and love extended to our father.
Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.