James R. MacGregor
James R. MacGregor, of Hamden, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia Ann (Doherty) MacGregor. Son of the late Thomas and Dorothy (Dewey) MacGregor of West Haven; James (Jim) is survived by his devoted children, Jim MacGregor and his wife Nancy of Hamden, Brian MacGregor and his wife Kathy of Monroe, Louisiana, Gayle Murphy and her husband Paul of Hamden, and Susan MacGregor of Fairfield; his cherished grandchildren, Brittany, Patrick, and Justin MacGregor, Ryan and Brendan MacGregor, Katelyn, Shannon, and Bryan Murphy and Jamison Heneghan. He was a brother of the late Thomas MacGregor, Robert MacGregor, and Dorothy MacGregor. Jim was a proud father, grandfather, and Veteran who would do anything for his friends and family. He was a lover of hockey, and many would see him at every Hamden Dragons game. He never missed his grandchildren's sporting events, always cheering on the sidelines. Jim worked and retired from Armstrong Rubber as a Corporate Manager of Central Technical Service after 40+ years. He was a man of hard work and dedication and instilled that in his family. He will be missed dearly, and his legacy will live on. Friends may visit with his family at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 2nd. His Prayer Service will take place in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m., followed by Burial with Military Honors at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Hamden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be sent to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037, or given online at http://support.lupus.org/lfanedonate.
My favorite memory of Uncle Jimmy was at a Hamden hockey game years ago. My friend’s 7 year old son and I were there, sitting in back of Aunt Rita, and he and I kept getting hit with stuff. We eventually figured out it was hard candy! I turned around and there was Uncle Jimmy standing at the top of the bleachers waving and smiling, and throwing candy at us!
What a great guy. My baseball coach. Babe Ruth league. Condolances to Jim and Brian, his family.
Dear Gayle, Paul, Kate, Shannon, Brian, and all the MacGregor Clan. I only met your dad / grandfather on a couple of occasions at Brian’s ball games. He was a steadfast fan if ever there was one, so proud of all his grandchildren’s accomplishments! And Gayle, even though he may not have said it, I know your father appreciated your dedication and support, especially in the months leading leading up to his passing – bringing him meals or coffee or just checking in on him. There was a lot of love in all of those visits. My prayer is that each of you will hold tight to those special moments and memories that will keep his spirit alive alive forever and a day. Peggy Whelan
Dearest Gayle and Murphy family and All of the McGregor’s
While I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Mr. MacGregor personally I had met him with his daughter Gayle, who is my very dear friend. As God’s providence would have it his handsome photograph is pictured here at Beecher and Bennett’s website next to my beloved Mother’s, Catherine Gunn Dinnean. Gayle was so loving to my Mother. Gayle was so dedicated to her Father. While she and my Mother shared a love of Oreo ice cream sandwichs, she and her Father shared a devotation to Friday night coffee in these past few years.
My Mother thought the Murphy girls were gracious young ladies and beautiful Irish American lassies as she was herself. She loved that Gayle’s husband Paul was from Ireland. Gayle so wanted a role in my Mother’s Memorial Mass and I’d made one for her. But Gayle will be at her Father’s service and I at my Mother’s on Saturday, 2 March 2019 at 11:30 a.m. As we each take leave of our beloved parent may we pray for each other and each other’s families. May we share in that peace beyond understanding that comes with no regrets. For all of you grands – the Murphy’s, MacGregor’s and dear young Jamieson……granddaughter of James….. be blessed with your Grandfather loyalty to his own. I always marveled at his dedication to going to your sports games! On a playing field or on the ice his love of and pride for each and everyone of you soared and scored. May you always hold that truth dear in your hearts and minds. Love and God Bless as my Mother would always sign.
Blessings and love, Cornelia Gunn Dinnean
To Brian, Jim and the rest of the MacGregor family, my deepest sympathies for the loss of your father.
Our condolences to the Murphy family on the passing your beloved father and grandfather.
We have made a contribution to the Lupus Foundation in his memory.
Sincerely the Skeeles family.