James Joseph McGrath

James Joseph McGrath, 89, of Pittsboro, NC peacefully joined the Lord and his wife, Jackie, on November 22, 2025. Born on April 23, 1936, to William McGrath and Barbara Corcoran, James grew up in Hempstead, NY.  Proud to be Irish, James loved to learn, teach and laugh. 

James graduated from Hofstra College in NY and later earned his Ph.D. at Indiana University.  In 1959 he married his soulmate, Jacqueline Soldo, and together they raised four children. Bound for adventure, in 1971, James was selected to be the US National Academy of Sciences Exchange Scientist to the Institute of Physiology in Prague, Czechoslovakia, where he and his family developed a passion for travel.

An expert on cardiovascular effects of air pollution, James has countless publications in numerous medical journals.  He held assistant professorships at Rutgers University and the Illinois College of Medicine before being selected as a Toxicologist at General Motors.  Four years later, he returned to academia at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX as a Full Professor.

James’ academic and professional successes led him to sabbatical at the Environmental Protection Agency.  After retiring from Texas Tech, he was appointed Senior Scientist at the EPA where he was awarded two Silver Stars for his service.

A devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, James leaves behind his children Barbara (William) Moore, James (Kanchaphon) McGrath, Kathleen (Walter) Reiss, and Michael (Jodi) McGrath; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of James’ Life will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm on Monday, December 1 in the Galloway Ridge Auditorium, 3000 Galloway Ridge Drive, Pittsboro, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in James’ memory.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the McGrath Family.