MCGRATH, James Raymond

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/10/2013 James Raymond McGrath, 83, resident of St. Johns, died Nov. 26, 2013, in Springerville. He was born Sept. 4, 1930, in Duncan, the son of James Vernon McGrath and Vessa Leola Hanchett McGrath. James worked as a grade school principal for Snowflake Highland Elementary. He leaves behind a devoted family and a host of friends from southern Arizona, where he grew up in St. Johns in the north. This is where he and Myrna Jane made their home for the past 12 years. For the previous 30 years, they lived in Snowflake, where he had a wonderful career as a primary school principal. It suited him well and gave him much opportunity to demonstrate his special love for little children. Ever the family man of service, he and Myrna Jane served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. James lived his whole life as a true disciple of the Lord. James is survived by his wife, Myrna Jane Hancock McGrath of St. Johns; son Roger McGrath of Flagstaff; daughter Laura McGrath Humphreys of St. Johns; sisters: Afton McGrath Miner, Sheri Ann McGrath Christensen; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Vernon and Vessa McGrath, sister Evelyn McGrath Rapier, brother Wayne McGrath, daughter Karen McGrath and grandson Kevin Alan Thomas Humphreys. Burnham Mortuary of St. Johns handled arrangements. Leave an online condolence at www.burnhammortuary.com