James E. ("Jim") McGroarty,77, passed away Monday, October 21, 2024 at Mercy House in Chambersburg, PA after a brief illness. He is survived by his son Joseph R. McGroarty of Pittsburgh, PA and his sister, Rosemary Ymzon (Ray) of Bonita, CA. His brother Edward McGroarty and wife CarolAnn, and his parents Mary Dwyer and James A. McGroarty predeceased him. Jim is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, his former wife Lisa (Lujanac) McGroarty and her siblings and in-laws.

Jim was born June 19, 1947,  in Palmerton, PA and grew up in Summit Hill, Newville and Harrisburg. He graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School and attended St. Vincent College before transferring to Duquesne University where he earned an undergraduate degree in Music. During and after college, Jim trained with world-class clarinetists and became an accomplished woodwind player, joining a woodwind quintet in the Catskills where he met his lifelong friend, Eric Goldberg, who preceded Jim in death.

Jim briefly taught Music in K-12 public schools in New York and Pennsylvania, and privately in the Harrisburg area. He earned a living as a professional musician and is best known for his soulful solo piano performances at venues like Hershey Hotel. You may also remember Jim from his time with Triplix (aka No Apparent Reason), a talented band with an eclectic mix featuring flute, saxophone, clarinet and amazing vocals. Jim's most recent musical home was with the Spiritual Messengers, a Harrisburg, PA based gospel group. The Messengers were much more than band mates to Jim, becoming dear friends and offering he and his family comfort and support during this difficult time.

At an age where many would be considering retiring, Jim became a full-time stay-at-home Dad to his son, Joseph. Jim utilized his training in Montessori early childhood education to explore the world through his child's eyes and interests, from spending hours watching the clock at Strawberry Square, to swimming and playing 9-ball at the Friendship Center, fishing and canoeing, practicing baseball after school, encouraging Joseph to find joy in music, art and crafting; and finding any possible excuse to go out for ice cream. Jim shared his son's wonder and joy, and in doing so laid a foundation of love that survives him.

Jim's brief illness and the excellent care he received at Penn State Hershey Medical Center and at Mercy House through Grane Hospice allowed his family to focus on expressing our love for him and on receiving his love for us and each other. We are truly grateful for the time we had and the peace it brought. Jim did not want any service or celebration of life, but the family understands and encourages people who knew Jim and want to remember him to seek comfort in your faith or philosophy, your loved ones, and the pleasures of music, food and friends. In lieu of cards or flowers, those who are able may wish to donate to Mercy House, a non-profit personal care home specializing in providing a warm, welcoming setting for end-of-life care. Other charities aligned with Jim's life and interests include the Humane Society and your local orchestra or performing arts organization.  www.agettlakjer.com