Obituary of James P. Maguire, Jr.

James Patrick Maguire Jr, a longtime resident of Short Hills and proud father of three sons, died suddenly on April 12, 2024.  James was born in New York City January 9, 1962 to his mother Patricia and father James P. Maguire Sr.  He was the middle son, arriving in the world two years after his sister Melissa, and four years before his late brother Christopher. Growing up, he developed a passion for motorcycles, and was at his happiest when he was racing his motorbike around an improvised track in the backyard. James was a lover of music, specifically bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead.  The passions he developed in his youth were carried on in his adult life, where he shared his enthusiasm with his sons and anyone who entered his life.

James grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey and graduated from Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey.  At Blair, he was captain of the ski team and fostered many close relationships which he maintained throughout his life.  James went on to attend Villanova University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and graduated cum laude.  Beginning his career with Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, he learned the value of hard work and taking pride in his profession.  James, maybe better known as “Jim” in the professional ranks, aspired to achieve greatly in his career.  In pursuit of his ambition, James seized the opportunity to step into the role of Finance Director of Central and Eastern Europe while working at Schering-Plough.  In doing so, he and his young family (wife Dorian and 2 ½ year old Patrick Joseph) moved to Budapest, Hungary.  Although unfamiliar with the culture and region as a whole, James embraced the challenge and found immense joy in discovering the world in this way.  Having helped rapidly grow the Central and Eastern-European pharmaceutical business, James’ next challenge was to lead the business as Operations Director from a new locale in Luzerne, Switzerland.  It was in Switzerland where son Sean Christopher Maguire was born, expanding the family to four. Following his time in Budapest and Luzerne, James was entrusted to be the Finance Director of the UK and Ireland for Schering-Plough, this time moving the family to Harpenden, England where James’ third son James Patrick Maguire III would be born.  After ten total years abroad and having traveled to countless countries across the globe, James and his family once again packed their bags and moved their home, this time back to where it all began in Short Hills, New Jersey.  

James was a proud father, a loving son, an avid skier, a determined golfer, a passionate sports fan, a devoted music lover, and a motorcycle enthusiast.  His greatest pride, however, came from sharing the things he loved to do and experiencing them with his family and friends.  To James, perfect strangers quickly became his friends, and his friends became part of his family.  His generosity and enthusiasm worked like a gravitational pull, and over his life James had invited so many to share in his world, and found great joy in doing so.

He is survived by his son Patrick and his wife Jessica, Sean, and James III; their mother Dorian, his parents James Sr and Patricia Maguire; his sister Melissa and husband Bill Sullivan; nieces Shannon and Jessica Sullivan; and his fiancé Kasia Rytelewski. He was predeceased by his brother Christopher John Maguire, whom he loved and missed dearly.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16 from 4-8 PM at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave, Maplewood. Funeral Mass at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 17 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills.