James McGill

A. James McGill, 90, formerly of 64 El Day Drive, Westline, passed awaypeacefully Friday, March 27, 2020 at Chapel Ridge.

Born November 2, 1929 in Kane, he was a son of the late James G. and Theresia M. McGill.

Jim was a 1947 graduate of Mt. Jewett High School, and a 1949 graduate of Bryant and Stratton College with a degree in Business Administration.

On May 6, 1950 at The First Baptist Church, Bradford, he married Narissa J. (Anderson) McGill who preceded him in death on March 25, 1995.

Jim started with Bradford Savings and Loan in 1950, which eventually

became Northwest Savings Bank. He served in various capacities for 45 years and retired in 1995 as Bank Vice President.

Jim’s life was devoted to helping others and he was a pillar of several communities. His philanthropy extended from donating time and money to organizations, to quietly supporting families in need. The organizations he was a part of were The Y’s Men’s Group (YMCA) in its early years, Kiwanis Cub, The Mt. Jewett Legion and Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival, The Kinzua Valley Trails Club, The Shriners, a Northwest Savings Bank Board member, and was a member of The First Presbyterian Church where he held several positions.

He lived with a proud commitment to any place he served, and could be counted on to transport children to the Shriners Hospital, support local families at Christmas time through the Legion, or to be a memorable cast member with his beloved friends during the Kiwanis Kapers productions.

Jim loved his family, community, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also served in various unofficial capacities. Unofficially, he was the mayor and historian of Westline, a founder of the Kaffe Sol Breakfast Club, and the best grandfather ever. He will be remembered as a true gentleman that could always be found with a smile on his face and a fantastic story to tell.

Surviving is one brother, Fran G. (Bettylou) McGill, two daughters, Melissa (Glenn) Melvin, and Kimberly (Craig) Cantoni, one son, Craig A. (Ruth) McGill, eight grandchildren, Kathleen Rajakumar, Chris Cantoni, Tyler, Cameron and Narissa McGill, Jenn Royster, Christyn Bartlett, and Marc Champagne, three great grandchildren, Vincent and Tristan Rajakumar, Andrew McGill, several nieces and nephews, and honorary granddaughter Kelsey Billings.

Jim was also preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Ann, age 3.

Friends will be invited to attend a celebration of life for Jim at a later date to be announced.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival or the Kinzua Valley Trails, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

I remember you Jim as always a perfect gentlemen back in the 1970''s. Our prayers are here for you and your family.
— Ron and Carol Aynn Knott

My condolences for the loss of your father. I new him all my life. We really have missed his visits here in Florida and also his great notes at Christmas. Such a great person!
— Jane Mountain Tamburro

Melissa, Craig, Kim and Family, My condolences to you all in the passing of your dad. He was an amazing human being with a divine soul of kindness and generosity. He always had the best stories to tell and could find the humor in anything. What a life role model he was. He and your mom, were like extended family and I remember growing up referring to them as Aunt and Uncle. Your dad and my dad were such good friends all the way through. So many of them got together to share such happy times over the years. Your dad was so kind to keep in touch after my dad''s passing. Uncle Jim will be greatly missed but never forgotten and his legacy of kindness will continue to be celebrated through you all and by all who had the privilege to know him.
— Lydia (Smith) Olechna

Melissa, Kim, and Craig, I was so saddened to learn of your dad’s passing. I have such fond memories of A. James, growing up as a kid all the way up until now He was a great friend to my parents, and my entire family. He was always there for them and for me, up until the very end. He had such a friendly demeanor and a generosity towards all, that is very rare these days I will never forget all of our hunting and fishing adventures, nor his heart and soul towards others! May he Rest In Peace. He was a wonderful man and is sorely missed, but will be forever missed. Condolences to you and your families Jack
— Jack Teague

Melissa and family so sorry to hear of your dad''s passing. He was truly a good man and friend. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
— kirk zandy

Craig. It has been a long time since you swam that race with your suit near your ankles, but I just saw that your father passed and I wanted to send you a note! Your Dads visits across the street from my parents, with Russ Teague were always so fun when I was growing up. He and my folks would chat and laugh all afternoon. That crew was special and looking back I realize how lucky we were to have such a remarkable set of parents and roll models. I hope you are well and can cherish many such memories as well. All the best, pam
— Pam Smeigh Digel

Craig, Ruth and family, I am sorry for the loss of this great man. I have heard so much about him from Cam years ago. I do see where Cam got his good looks from, he is a spitting image of his Grandfather! I also see where Riss got her name from, her Grandmother! Please know that I am thinking of you during this hard time.
— Karen Aveni

I really enjoyed getting to know Jim through Kiwanis and loved his dispatches from "Westline Willie." He was such a fun and warm guy and also a real community pillar. Thinking of you all. May his memory be a blessing.
— Kimberly Weinberg

Melissa, Craig, and your families, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. If I remember correctly, he helped my late husband, Tom, and me when we bought our home. It''s the same home I live in today. Tom knew your dad better than I did, and I know he always thought very highly of him. May God comfort you and give you peace. May He also bring many happy memories to your mind today and in the days to come. God bless you and your families.
— Geneva (Wagner)Szafran

Craig and family, I’m very sorry to hear of your dads passing. What a legacy he leaves behind. A truly wonderful, happy man who always made you smile. They don’t make them like this anymore. Cherish the fond memories.
— Kelly Rose Platko

Melissa, I am so sorry hear of your father’s passing. I remember him from the bank..:he was a very kind and caring individual. Prayers for you and all your family.
— Sharon Grice

Our condolences to your family. I appreciate our talks about the McGills and the items he shared with me.
— David Brightbill

Kim. So sorry for your loss!
— Sharon Alviti Hollebeke!

Melissa and Glenn, Sincere condolences to your and all your family on Jim''s passing. He was a good man.
— Craig Scott

Jim was always remembering friends in need and he will be sadly missed
— Madeline Miles

We will always remember Jim fondly and with a smile. On several occasions we were able to enjoy Jim’s humor as he performed as “Ole,” the Swedish immigrant who brought a lot of laughter to his audience. Jim was a neighbor, with his grandmother and parents living across the street, and a friend. Westline has lost a favorite son.
— Mary Ann Lambertsen

Melissa, Kim and Craig, We are so sad to hear of your dad''s passing. He was a true gentleman, always with a smile, and a good neighbor for a long time. We will keep him and all of you in our daily prayers. Sincerely, Lou and Angela
— angela Monti

Melissa and family. We were so sorry to read of the passing of Jim. Jim hired me at Northwest Savings Bank, he was a wonderful boss, a mentor and friend. He was such a kind gentleman, always had a smile (laugh) and a story. We got to speak with him a few times at Chapel Ridge and now, so happy we had that opportunity. I’m sure this is a very trying time for you all but I’m also, positive you will always have wonderful memories. Our thoughts are with you.
— Marlene & Alan Ackley

On behalf of my husband and all the Cibula family who knew Jim well , I extend my sincere condolences to his family. Treasure your memories.
— Patricia Cibula

I am very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My Father was from Westline, JohnPatrick, my brother knew Jim and when he came back to this area we would occasionally visit with Jim. Loved his knowledge, such a gentleman!
— Julia Tanner

Craig, I am sorry for the loss of what appears to be a man who left quite a legacy. Life seems way to short for those we love. It appears your father lived a full and meaningful life and seemed to have fit several lifetimes into one. There are not many lime these old warriors who made this country great left. Our prayers and condolences to you and Ruthie and your others siblings, Craig. Regards Dan Champagne and family
— Dan Champagne

Melissa and Family How very sorry I was to read of your Dad’s passing. He was truly a wonderful man. Bill Lowery’s appraising partner and Denny Lowery’s friend and Northwest Savings fellow employee. Always a smile with such a sense of humor. He had the kindest heart and was a true gentle man. One of the best. He and Narissa together again must bring joy to your heart. May your memories be a blessing and sustain you in the days ahead. May the day soon come when your thoughts of him brings a smile to your lips before a tear to your eyes. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
— Debbie Lowery

Kim and family. Jim was such a great man, so sorry for your loss
— Steve Lindstrom

My sincere condolences to the McGill family
— David McClure

So sorry for your families loss in these trying times. God bless and remember the good times to honor him.
— Paul Haley

Melissa, Craig, Kim and families, John and I are so sorry for your loss. How I remember him entertaining us at your house! It was so much fun to listen to your Mom and Dad joke and laugh with us. It is especially heartbreaking that this happened at a time when your family and friends cannot be close to support you in your grief, but know we are hugging you all in our hearts. Prayers for your family.
— Debbie and John Place

Glenn and Melissa, we are so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
— Bill and Barb Black

It is with heavy hearts that we send our sincere condolences to your family. Jim will be greatly missed in so many aspects of our community and our family memories.
— Jerry and Shelley Harvey

Condolences

  • I remember you Jim as always a perfect gentlemen back in the 1970''s. Our prayers are here for you and your family.

    — Ron and Carol Aynn Knott
  • My condolences for the loss of your father. I new him all my life. We really have missed his visits here in Florida and also his great notes at Christmas. Such a great person!

    — Jane Mountain Tamburro
  • Melissa, Craig, Kim and Family, My condolences to you all in the passing of your dad. He was an amazing human being with a divine soul of kindness and generosity. He always had the best stories to tell and could find the humor in anything. What a life role model he was. He and your mom, were like extended family and I remember growing up referring to them as Aunt and Uncle. Your dad and my dad were such good friends all the way through. So many of them got together to share such happy times over the years. Your dad was so kind to keep in touch after my dad''s passing. Uncle Jim will be greatly missed but never forgotten and his legacy of kindness will continue to be celebrated through you all and by all who had the privilege to know him.

    — Lydia (Smith) Olechna
  • Melissa, Kim, and Craig, I was so saddened to learn of your dad’s passing. I have such fond memories of A. James, growing up as a kid all the way up until now He was a great friend to my parents, and my entire family. He was always there for them and for me, up until the very end. He had such a friendly demeanor and a generosity towards all, that is very rare these days I will never forget all of our hunting and fishing adventures, nor his heart and soul towards others! May he Rest In Peace. He was a wonderful man and is sorely missed, but will be forever missed. Condolences to you and your families Jack

    — Jack Teague
  • Melissa and family so sorry to hear of your dad''s passing. He was truly a good man and friend. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.

    — kirk zandy