James J. McGarr, of Simsbury, Connecticut, born on March 22, 1928, passed away after a prolonged illness on Sunday, August 9, 2015. Jim, who was born and raised in New York City, was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart, Elinor McGarr and married on February 28, 1951. Jim was a graduate of Iona College in New Rochelle NY, and served in the US Army, in active duty during the Korean War, where he sustained injuries. Jim enjoyed a successful career in the Insurance business as a Regional Vice President of the Commercial Lines Division for the Traveler’s Insurance Company and then culminating his career with The Reliance Insurance Company as Commercial Lines President before his retirement. Jim was a driven man, who embraced everything he did with tremendous energy, dedication and focus. His passions included running, squash, mountain climbing, hiking and as a dog lover, was known to have a terrier at his side whenever possible. A great husband and father, Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elinor McGarr, his sister Patricia Lang and his four children, James McGarr Jr. of Suffield, CT and his husband Dr. Mark Spencer, Stephen McGarr of Chico CA and his wife Jennifer, Mary McGarr of Agawam MA and Carolyn Lee and her husband Daniel Lee of Simsbury, CT. Jim’s infant daughter, Kathleen Ann, predeceased him. Jim is also survived by his grandchildren, Kathleen Lee, Christopher Lee, Nicholas Lee, Michael Mead, Timothy Mead, Michael McGarr, and Marissa McGarr, all who loved their “Pop-Pop”. Jim is also predeceased by his parents James and Kathleen and his sister Eileen Dunn. There are no calling hours. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 21st, 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road in West Simsbury. Burial with military honors will follow in the Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Jim’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.