James Madden McQuire

December 7, 1938 - May 2, 2024

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Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, "A Life Celebration Home"

38 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-3311 |

Friday 5/10, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

service

Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, "A Life Celebration Home"

38 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-3311 |

Friday 5/10, 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm

For those who are unable to attend in person, the services will be live-streamed beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in his honor and memory may be made to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, via mail to P.O. Box 824061, Philadelphia, PA 19182-4061, or online by clicking HERE.

James Madden McQuire, age 85 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Queens, NY, December 7, 1938, the youngest of five siblings, Jim was the son of the late Courtlandt and Marguerite Madden McQuire.

Jim graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1956, where he met a group of guys that have been by his side to this very day. He earned his degree in Counseling Psychology from Transylvania University, followed by a MA from San Francisco State.

His career would be a winding yet fun-filled road, and he held titles ranging from Counselor to Cook, Lifeguard to Taxi Driver, and Hippie to business owner. He even spent time living literally in a California Redwood Tree.

Jim gave himself the title of, “Love Warrior” and anyone who knew him knew that love was the foundation of all his thoughts and actions, and he used love as his North Star.

Enlisting in the United States Army in 1961, he would become a medic and be honorably discharged in 1963. During his time in the Army, he read the classics and taught himself to play guitar. This passion for music would continue to be nurtured throughout his life, and he was well known for writing songs, busking, and singing in the church choir. He truly believed that music was love in action, and that love, a.k.a. music, could solve all the worlds ills. He sought to teach this message through his songs and his teaching others to develop their own musical talents.

He married his first wife, Emma Mendez, in 1979 in Puerto Rico, and settled in Sandy Springs, GA, where they raised their daughter, Marguerite McQuire, Ph.D. Though the pair would separate, Jim and Emma would continue to be proud of Marguerite and ensure that she only knew love in her life from them.

A little more than twenty years ago, Jim’s life would change for the better when his childhood and lifelong friend, Frank Esposito, introduced him to a woman who he thought would be perfect for him. Ms. Hannah O’Donoghue was struck by Cupid’s arrow just as hard as Jim was, and they would marry in 2009, creating many happy and robust memories these many years as they united their two families as one. After many years in Georgia, they would move to Flemington, NJ, in 2022 to be closer to their immediate and extended families.

Jim was an amazing, loving, caring father, husband, and Pop-Pop. He was proud of his daughter’s significant accomplishments, and loved watching his young granddaughter, nieces, and nephews grow up. He will be fiercely missed, but his legacy of loving with his entire sense of Self will never be forgotten and always be a reminder to all who knew him that LOVE is the answer to everything.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Elodie, and his two brothers, Courtlandt and Harry.

Surviving is his loving wife, Hannah; his cherished daughter, Marguerite McQuire, Ph.D.; his adored stepdaughter and her husband, Amy and Chris Hollander; his amazing granddaughter, Fiona; his beloved sister, Gale Alger; the mother of his daughter, Emma Mendez; two generations of nieces and nephews; several extended family members here in the United States, Ireland and around the world; and many dear friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather together to celebrate James’s life on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 3:00-4:30 p.m., at Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Life Celebration service will follow the gathering beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home, and all are invited to bring heartfelt memories to share. If you are unable to attend but would like something read on your behalf, please click HERE to generate an email to the funeral home.

For those who are unable to attend in person, the services will be live-streamed beginning at 4:00 p.m.

You are encouraged to visit James’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Memorial contributions in his honor and memory may be made to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, via mail to P.O. Box 824061, Philadelphia, PA 19182-4061, or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, "A Life Celebration Home"

38 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-3311 | Map

Friday 5/10, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, "A Life Celebration Home"

38 State Highway 31

Flemington, NJ 08822

908-782-3311 | Map

Friday 5/10, 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm

For those who are unable to attend in person, the services will be live-streamed beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in his honor and memory may be made to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, via mail to P.O. Box 824061, Philadelphia, PA 19182-4061, or online by clicking HERE.

James Madden McQuire, age 85 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ. Born in Queens, NY, December 7, 1938, the youngest of five siblings, Jim was the son of the late Courtlandt and Marguerite Madden McQuire. Jim graduated from Forest Hills High SchoolContinue Reading

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Love you Uncle Jim!!Alex, Andrew and Elle McQuire

In memory of a loving father.

I was privileged to know Jim, maybe not during his honeymoon years, but certainly during his newly-in-love years! I'm his daughter's friend, and she invited me to come along with her and her dad on one of his visits to NYC and Hannah, in April 2006. And boy were they in love! And so fast! In fact, they were so fast and so wrapped up in each other's conversation, that they would very often get way way ahead of Marguerite and me on the Manhattan sidewalk, so that after a while we would just look at each other and crack up - "there they go again, the teenagers, zipping up the street oblivious to everything around them and the fact that we are half a block behind them right now!" But eventually they'd always stop & realize they'd gotten yards ahead of us, and patiently wait for us, the 2 twentysomethings, to catch the heck up to them! I remember Jim so fondly as a warm, warm man, with a great sense of humor! And so kind! In fact, when my wallet had gotten stolen on that same NYC trip, he even funded my meals and things for the rest of the trip! We even saw Mama Mia on Broadway,too! I vividly recall his great love for his daughter, and how often he would fly out to San Diego, where we lived, to visit her. He was just so casual and authentic and genuine and down to earth, he was just one of those people who you just have an immediate affinity for. I'll miss him. -Carissa McElroy

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Madden McQuire . Plant a Tree

What a blessing to have known him

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Adios mi querido Amigo It was such an honor to have you in my life and such fun...always remembered God bless you

Well, miss you, buddyMay you rest in peace?

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Madden McQuire . Plant a Tree

We met Jim and his family in Atlanta in 1992. Both of us had recently relocated and were staying in furnished apartments. I was there alone until my family arrived, and Jim, outgoing as ever, befriended me as soon as we met. Marguerite was the same age as one of our sons, and we formed a friendship that lasted long after our departure for California in 1997. Many memories involve music: we spent evenings singing and playing guitar and piano, at the McQuires and our place, especially singing “Hotel California” just before we left… We saw Jimmy Smith, Lou Rawls, and the Robert Shaw Chorale together, as well as spending an evening at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for some blues. Jim was the sweetest guy I’ve ever met, delightful, warm, outgoing, and cheerful, with an infectious laugh. It was easy to pick up a conversation with him, even after a couple of years. Enormously proud of and delighted with her achievements, Marguerite was clearly a light of his life. Condolences to Marguerite and Hannah - and really to everyone who knew him.

In honor of Jim for his love of Nature. Rest in peace dear friend/ brother.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Madden McQuire . Plant a Tree

In memory of Jim. A true gentleman

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Madden McQuire . Plant a Tree

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have great memories of Jim at your wedding and when you came to Arran. He was so easy to get along with and was always mindful of other people. God Bless

To Hannah and family, Jim will be forever remembered in our house in Inchydoney, Cork Ireland. A true gentleman of the South but also a native New Yorker and New Jersey man in later years, he was wonderful company, fun and entertainment when he was in the room. Great memories of our times in Atlanta, Tennessee and New York, especially when we dined at Sparks--for one night only, we dined with the Mafia !! Also, great memories of 3 infamous Donegal weddings where fun was the main theme and especially the Irish chorus version of "Living next door to Alice " !! May his sweet, gentle soul rest in peace. Gone but definitely not forgotten. Mags and Connie in Ireland.

Uncle Jimmy. I am in denial. We JUST spoke. Our entire family is grieving deeply. I am in shock and grief. I just can’t focus this week because I am just so sad. I was telling our assistant at work that we rarely meet true angels on earth. I mean TRUE angels. I told her you were one of them… literally. I loved the way you spoke and the way you laughed. Your joyous laugh. Nothing fazed you.. you just made life feel like a breeze. And you made everyone feel important and welcome. That was just you.I was so happy at yours and Hannah’s wedding and I am grieving for her and Marguerite. How did I luck out that not only were you my uncle… you were my Godfather!! I remember back to being really young… like maybe 2 or 3 and I remember then how you made me feel loved. You always did. I truly remember it. I think of you singing at Grandma’s piano and you playing guitar. No matter time and space…I always knew you loved me. I can only hope you knew how much I love you. I will never ever forget my beloved uncle. Heaven is rejoicing for their angel returned and there is the biggest McQuire group hug ever happening right now. Rest in peace angel. You walked your life in love.

Jim was one of the finest people I have ever met. We were business partners for many years, and although it started out that way, it ended up with a very deep friendship. Our many lunchtime political discussions were interesting to say the least. Thanks to his influence and example, I learned to soften my stances and acquire patience, something Jim had a lot of. He often would focus on love and living in the moment. I am truly don’t know any better advice for anybody. Thank you, Jim, you certainly made my world a heck of a lot better.

We miss you dearly, sweet Uncle Jim.Love, Carrie, Matthias, Mathilde & Jane

Graceful Wreath was purchased for the family of James Madden McQuire by Anonymous. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of James Madden McQuire

My husband Jimmy & I send our sincere condolences to the family of Jim McQuire. Especially Marguerite & Hannah. As I worked for Jim at The Power Place in GA, we became good friends. I could always talk to him. Great listener! Sometimes he would bring in his guitar to work and play for us. As in the Eagles song he played, he had a peaceful easy feeling. Jim got to know my family too outside of work. So, he became family too! He was especially caring to my Dad. Both he and Hannah, his wife and Marguerite are family to us. The picture I attached was the day he retired. I loved Jim like a brother. Many great memories I have of him. I feel blessed to have known him. I will raise a glass to him! Love & prayers to the family.
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I will always remember Jim hospitality, generosity and kindness (and storytelling talent). My deepest sympathy to all his family

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Madden McQuire . Plant a Tree

Our deepest sympathy to Hannah, Magerret, Amy , Chris & Fiona Family & Friends. May His gentle soul rest in peace

Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of James Madden McQuire by Anonymous. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of James Madden McQuire

Hannah, you were a godsend to Frank and an Angel to Jim. Our annual holidays together with the five amigos allowed us to see the love you had for each other. Keep the good times in your heart and love the family and friends you have. Arline and Michael

With heartfelt condolences, to the family. Especially Marguerite McQuire & Hannah.

Heavenly Grace Spray was purchased for the family of James Madden McQuire by Kevin & Dorine Reynolds & your friends at The Power Place.. Send Flowers

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Madden McQuire . Plant a Tree

We will miss you Jim & your kind gentle caring ways. Love to all Jim's immediate family & my sweet sister Hannah......sorry can't be with you at this sad time. 🩷🩷 Jim, may your sunset ✨️ be as beautiful as this sunset in the family photo in Aug, 23 at The Old Post Office Lodge ......memories 💚🤍🧡💙🤍❤️
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Jim, or as I called him 'Jimbo', was indeed full of love. Quick to laugh and easy to connect with, I'm grateful for knowing him, for his care, for being a wonderful father to my dear friend Marguerite. His song 'Love this Moment' is truly one of my favorites and speaks to his wisdom and joy. I will cry and dance listening to it. I will miss this wonderful man. He is truly one of a kind. May all the love that he gave be received by Marge, Hannah and all who loved him.

Eternal Friendship

Blue Caribbean was purchased for the family of James Madden McQuire by Taylor and Libby Boone and Family. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of James Madden McQuire

In loving memory of the most terrific human being, father, husband, uncle and friend -JamesMadden McQuire

Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of James Madden McQuire by All of us who loved him. Send Flowers

To My Devoted Brother, Our Magnificent Uncle James,A life well lived. Our deepest sympathy to his wife Hannah and Daughter Marguerite.

Magnificent Life Spray was purchased for the family of James Madden McQuire by Love Gale Carlos Elodie and all the McQuire family. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of James Madden McQuire

We remember Jim's kind, joyful personality (as well as his talent on the guitar!), and we send Jim's family our love and deepest sympathies.

Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of James Madden McQuire by Hilary Alger and Chris Sanchirico. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of James Madden McQuire

A great day on the water with Uncle Jim and Hannah! He and Hannah were such a joy to be around. We enjoyed their visits. I wish he had brought his guitar along! He was the most musically talented McQuire by a mile!
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Hannah & Marguerite: You have our deepest sympathies. Everyone who knew Uncle Jim realized that his heart was made of pure gold. God bless you

Treasured Lilies Spray was purchased for the family of James Madden McQuire by Pandora and Jim Vreeland. Send Flowers

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.