James A. McGillivray, 89, of Natick, died Friday, August 7, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at home. He was the beloved husband of Lois F. (Moran) McGillivray with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Boston, and a Natick resident for 49 years, Jim was the son of the late James A. and Jessie (MacDonnell) McGillivray.
A man of great Catholic faith and compassion, Jim was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for 45 years. He was the President of the St. Patrick’s chapter in Natick for 26 years, and also served in the Parish as a lector, usher, and volunteer on numerous other committees. He was awarded the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 for his tireless efforts in helping so many people in need.
Mr. McGillivray was a dedicated High School Social Studies teacher for 36 years. He began his career in Boston, continued in Franklin, and then for 30 years taught in Framingham from where he retired in 1988. He was advisor in Franklin to the class of 1957 and enjoyed keeping up with the lives of those students including attending their reunions, most recently two years ago. In Framingham, he worked with students to establish a permanent Memorial for the Framingham North High School graduates who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. His devotion to his students was recognized by his being named Teacher of the Year in 1983 and 1984, and was awarded the Massachusetts Teachers Association Distinguished Service Certificate in 1983.
Jim was a proud graduate of Merrimack College’s first graduating class in 1951, and received his Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and served in Europe during World War II. He was a member of the National Education Association, the Natick Elks, enjoyed watching football and baseball, playing golf, and was an avid follower of current events and politics. Jim was a skilled carpenter and loved working on his home and in his garden. Jim had a beautiful singing voice, and his most joyous times were spent surrounded by family and friends in song and laughter.
In addition to his wife Jim is survived by his children Mary of Holliston, Janet Heyde and her husband Arthur, Patricia Tierney and her husband George, Paul and his partner Georges Hemingway, Karen Anderson, Brian all of Natick, and Susan and her partner Mark Intinarelli of Hopkinton; grandchildren Julie, Daniel and his fiancee Rosa Fink, and Jennifer Heyde; Christopher, Conor and John Tierney; and James and Katherine Anderson. He was the brother of the late Grace McGillivray and Alma Troland, and is survived by brother-in-law Frank Troland. Jim is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends and neighbors.
Jim’s family invites relatives and friends to celebrate his life on Tuesday, August 11 at 9:00 A.M. from the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, at Natick Common followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Patrick’s Church at 10:00 A.M.
Visiting hours are Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Interment St. Patrick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Jim’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Patrick’s Parish, 44 East Central Street, Natick, MA 01760.