James J. McGonagle III January 25, 1957 - March 27, 2019

Lawrence – James J. “Jimo” McGonagle III, 62, passed away March 27, 2019 at Lawrence General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Methuen, he was the son of the late James J. and Hazel M. (Shirling) McGonagle. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1975. He enjoyed a successful sales career with Aramark Uniform Services and for the past 14 years was employed with the Massachusetts State Lottery as a field representative.

As a young man, he worked at Hale’s Dog House in West Newbury, where he proclaimed himself the “Fryolater Fox” and formed a meaningful bond with the woman he would marry, Lois Vance, while teaching her how to make onion rings!

Jim was an irreplaceable and hilarious father to his children Sean and Ashley, and a lifelong adoring companion to Lois. Jim was also brother to his 9 siblings, and a friend to many. It is said he could make a friend wherever he went.

Jim had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved the “Seinfeld” show, often quoting dialogue from the series. He also was quite an innovative thinker. Such traits earned him the nickname “Idea Guy.” He was a loyal sports fan, following all the Boston and New England teams. Jim enjoyed the game of golf, playing on many of the various courses throughout the Merrimack Valley and beyond with his 6 brothers, his father, and friends. Following his father’s death in 1996, he became an active participant in “The Jimmy” golf tournament, in memory of his father.

Jim passed away on his late grandfather, James J. McGonagle’s birthday, despite a preference to do so on his own birthday which is January 25.

James is survived by his partner for over 40 years, Lois (Vance) McGonagle; his children, Sean M. McGonagle of Medford and Ashley T. McGonagle of Bradford; nine brothers and sisters, Patrick and Carol McGonagle of Haverhill, Michael and Maureen McGonagle of Haverhill, Maureen and Robert Menzie of Haverhill, Daniel and Nora McGonagle of Washington State, Brian and Audrey McGonagle of Methuen, Kathleen and Eric Darby of Haverhill, Timothy and Kathleen McGonagle

of Haverhill, Colleen of Haverhill, Matthew and Jennifer McGonagle of Haverhill; a beloved “grand-dog-ter” Melba, and many nieces and nephews and friends.