James "Jim" M. Mcgrady

James Michael McGrady, “Jim”, 63, died on October 17, 2023. Born in West Orange to the late James and Lois McGrady, he was raised in Manalapan where he graduated high school. Jim spent some time working before deciding to attend Montclair State University.

While working at the former Savannah’s Restaurant in Rutherford, he met the love of his life, Denise Lindig. They were instantly drawn to one another, and began a love story that would span decades. They began their life together in Elmwood Park before moving down to the shore, first to Point Pleasant and Brick, and ultimately settling in Toms River to raise their family. Together they owned and operated McGrady’s Creative Cuisine and then Periwinkles in Ocean City NJ. Periwinkles became a local landmark as well as a second home to many of the staff, including Jim and Denise’s own children. More than a chef, Jim was known to impact everyone who worked beside him. His desire to help others drew people to him. Jim was often sponsoring exchange students for an opportunity for a better life, setting an extra plate at the holidays for someone who didn’t have a family to go to, and even opening his home to those who needed some help. Jim knew the power of kindness could change lives. Opening his heart and sharing his passions led him to receive notoriety as “Papa Jim.”

Once their children graduated high school, Jim and Denise moved to Somerset NJ where Jim became a Chef and Managing Partner with Maggiano’s in Bridgewater. His top-notch cooking and business acumen led him to many accolades with Maggiano’s. He was then moved to Maggiano’s Chevy Chase MD where he and Denise relocated for several years. Despite all his successes and the new life he and Denise had made, they yearned to return to NJ to be with their growing family. In 2016, they returned to NJ where they settled in Somerville NJ and Jim went to work as the General Manager and Executive Chef at the Somerville Elks in Bridgewater, where he was a proud member for the past 35 years. When the pandemic shut down public dining and food service, Jim shined in a time of uncertainty. While most places had a loss and waste with a sudden closure, Jim put together meals and served them to front line workers and those in need. He saw the disparagement of food insecurity in Somerset County and he wanted to find a way to bridge the gap between donation and feeding people. Jim partnered with the Branchburg Rotary and Bound Brook Presbyterian Church and found a way to give back to those in need with dignity. The “Not Just Soup Kitchen” was mobilized. Since inception, the soup kitchen has fed over 20,000 local residents more than 100,000 meals. From this, Papa Jim’s Comfort Kitchen was born from Jim’s mission of a world without hunger.

Jim was an intellectual and an endless source of knowledge. He once tried out for Jeopardy, and nearly made it. When not working, you could find him “playing” Jeopardy each night from his recliner. While incredibly witty and very humorous, he also had a kind heart who accepted everyone. He was a sports fanatic (forever a loyal NY Giants fan), an avid music lover, and an adventurous traveler. Jim shared his passions with his family, and they created priceless memories together. He was committed to his family and cherished the time they spent together. He was the ultimate family man.

Surviving are his beloved wife of forty one years, Denise McGrady, his loving children Jason McGrady and partner Julie Morgan, Dana O’Dea and husband Daragh, Devin McGrady and wife Kaitlyn, Justin McGrady and wife Sara and her mother Mama Sara. As well as his cherished grandchildren Aiden, Riley, Ashlynn, Ella, James, Josephine, and Maisie. Also, his dear sister Sharon McGrady and niece Deanna Allen and nephew Quinn LeBreton, and his extended family, including those who worked beside him and whose lives were enriched because of his presence. But Jim would say that it was he who was the fortunate person because of those who were a part of his life.

A memorial service celebrating his life and legacy will be announced in the future.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to his mission, Papa Jim’s Comfort Kitchen , in order to carry on his legacy and the work he was doing in his community.