(1928-2020)
After celebrating his 92nd birthday on April 18, 2020, Jerry passed from this world. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter Shannon. He leaves Patricia, his wife of 69 years, his sons Michael and Kevin, his daughter-in-law Eileen, son-in-law Bill Fee, grandchildren Katlin, Shea, Katie (Morgan), Erin (Greg), Megan and Dillon, and great grandsons, Jax, Cash and Cooper.
Jerry was raised on a farm in the Illinois town of Jacksonville and was one of eight children of William and Ida McGrath. He is survived by his brother Jim of Springfield Illinois, and many nieces and nephews. After a short college basketball experience in Texas, Jerry returned to Illinois and joined the U.S Marine Corp. In the Corp, he served as a meteorologist and with World War II concluding, the Marines provided Jerry a tour of the States including North Carolina, Michigan, New Jersey (with an introduction to spaghetti and Yankee Stadium), and his preferred destination, El Toro in the north county of San Diego.
Returning home after his tour of duty, he met a woman in the St. Louis bus station. She was traveling from college to visit a friend in Jerry’s hometown, and that’s where “Jake” met Pat Springer. Moving to Pat’s hometown of Phoenix, Jerry enrolled at Arizona State College to study accounting, and went to work at Safeway, putting his hometown A&P skills to work as a cashier.
His marriage to Pat coincided with his graduation from ASU with an accounting degree, then the birth of his eldest dashed plans to go to law school. Instead, Jerry began a career of 65 years in public accounting, becoming a CPA in the 1950’s.
Jerry was a parishioner at St. Theresa Catholic Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where he was a member of the Perpetual Devotion Society. He was a member of Arizona Country Club for more than 50 years, where he long maintained a single digit golf handicap. He served 3 terms on the Club’s Board of Directors and on the Greens Committee. Jerry was a Life Bird in the Phoenix Thunderbirds, having served the organization since the ‘60’s, including as the President of the Kiva Club and as a Life Member of the Year.,
Jerry practiced public accounting and played golf into his ‘90’s. He was a reader, and avidly followed the sporting world and stock market. In recent years he was a resident at the Beatitudes Campus with Pat. He was a loving husband, father, friend to many, and was a vital part of the lives of his grandchildren. A private burial has been arranged with the hope that a future Mass and Celebration of his Life may be held, pending a resolution of the existing health crisis. A spiritual person, Jerry would appreciate a prayer for Pat, his family and for one another.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Cathy Beiler
RIP Uncle Jake your niece Joyce Griffith and family Jacksonville, IL
Cindy Reardon Harms
Prayers and thoughts to Great Uncle Jake’s Family.
Your neice Joyce’s daughter.
Diane Schwartz
I’d ask, “How’s it going, Shannon,” and she’d answer, “Everything’s Jake!” He was a very nice man. My condolences to the entire McGrath family.
Karon Mcgrath, daughter of Bernard Mcgrath
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pat, and your sons. Uncle Jake lived a blessed and long life. He was always good to everyone. May he rest in peace.
Judy Watt -my mother’s brother
Pat Mike Kevin and family
So sorry to hear about Jake and now all of his sisters and Bernard will boss him around in Heaven.Prayers to you
Posey Moore Nash
Jake was one of the nicest men I have ever known.
He and my Dad were proud to be Thunderbirds together.
Itt was always fun to visit with him when he would drop Pat for her nail appointment.
He was one of the GOOD Guy, he will be missed.
Mark Mittelstaedt
Hi, Kevin. Sorry to hear about your dad’s death – but 92 is a pretty good run ;-} I remember the Kiva Club fondly; I was a bus boy there for awhile – the Austrian chef made amazing soups ! What are you up to these days ? Please advise. My wife and I have been married since ’85, and are retired / living in the mountains east of ABQ. If you ever visit Santa Fe, you should segue over for dinner ;-}
Sandra Bennewitz
Pat, Mike and Kevin- I am so very sorry to learn of Jake’s passing. He was a wonderful uncle and I’ll remember him with great fondness. He was a huge part of my childhood, as were all of you. Shannon will be welcoming him into heaven with widely opened arm- together again. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Sandy Bennewitz
Kip Kindregan
My sincere condolences as Jake was a true gentleman!
I was transferred to Phoenix in 1984 to replace Mike Galvin running Carpernter-Offutt Paper.
Mike introduced me to Jake who was kind enough to sponsor me at ACC.
I am still an active member and have missed seeking Jake’s smiling face over the last few years!
Judy Nageotte
To the McGrath family, I want to express my sorrow for your loss. Kevin I’m not sure if you remember me but you were in my wedding and i hope the years have been good. I lost my dad and know how hard it can be. Prayers being sent. Judy
Michael Campbell
Pat, Mike & Kevin, very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was such a good guy, always welcomed us into your home like we were one family. The backyard baseball games at your place on Calle Del Paisano were the best. Jerry understood that baseballs break windows, or at least that’s how we saw it . I have many memories from those good ole days. Please let me know when you are able to host a mass and gathering.
Thank you and take care knowing that Jerry made all of the kids feel welcome.
Mike Campbell
Cathy Lawless Gaudreau
I was so very sorry when Tom called to tell me. So many memories of your family and this kind man.
I know he is resting in heavenly peace. Sending love to all of you.
Debbie Weber Coor
Such a kind man, intelligent accountant, and thoughtful family friend! He always had time for a visit, advice and encouragement!
Now he is in heaven with our parents, and they are at perfect peace!
Love and Blessings!
The Weber/Coor Family