James Joseph McVey

It is with profound sadness that we announce that James Joseph McVey, lovingly known as Jim, Jimmy Joe, Dad/Daddy, Papa, and Nugget, passed away suddenly on June 20, 2025, following a short and unexpected illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on August 12, 1945, in St Louis, MO, to Charles McVey and Katherine (Pahl) McVey. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers College (’63) in St Louis. Upon graduation, he began work at the Chase Park Plaza; a job that would spawn a long career in the food service industry. In 1967 he joined the United States Air Force, where he served for 2 years until he was discharged following the death of his father. Upon completion of his military service, he enrolled at Forrest Park Community College, where he later graduated with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. Jim spent his life working in the many facets of the food service industry before switching gears and joining the City of Springfield, MA Law Department as an investigator. Retirement brought much needed respite for Jim and his wife Kitty when they packed up and moved from the home of 42 years in Springfield MA to start anew in Stone Mountain GA! They enjoyed many wonderful years in the South before recently moving to Garnet Valley, PA to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

A devout Catholic throughout his life, Jim was an active member of his parish of Holy Cross in Springfield and the local Knights of Columbus. Serving as Grand Knight and District Deputy for Council #69 of Chicopee, MA, and a member of the Archbishop Williams Assembly of the 4th Degree, Jim dedicated more 30 years as a faithful Knight, earning his mystery nickname of “Nugget” and making many memories and lifelong connections. With their move to Stone Mountain, GA, Jim and Kitty found their new home in the parish at St Stephen the Martyr. Jim was welcomed into the Knights of Columbus Council #14122 of Lillburn, GA and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Assembly of the 4th Degree, where he proudly served for many years. From Tootsie Roll Drives, Cruise Night car shows and family picnics, to Friday Fish Fry, pancake breakfasts and the Annual St. Stephen’s Charity Golf Tournament, Jim was at home with his fellow Knights.

With a last name like McVey, Jim could never forget his Irish heritage! He was a proud member of the Holyoke St Patrick’s Parade Committee, the Springfield Parade Committee, the John Boyle O’Reilly Club of Springfield, and the Hibernian Benevolent Society of Atlanta. From designing parade floats, being awarded the Gallivan Award and marching as the Honorary Parade Marshall in Atlanta, the next best thing would have been going to Ireland!

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Catherine (Schroer); his two daughters: Erin McVey (Michael Coutu) and Megan Abbott (Matthew); his four grandchildren: Christopher, Emily, AJ and Charlie; his sister: Maureen Bean (McVey) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters: Jacqueline Houilihan (McVey), Kathleen Murphy (McVey), and Patricia McVey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, 160 Ridge Rd. Chadds Ford, PA, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Knights of Columbus Charities or the American Heart Association, in his honor.