Pack the ‘Jim’ Night held in memory of beloved father, husband

Jimmy and Tracy McGrath.

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Event organizers Jill Mollitor, left, and Tia Albig, Tracy McGrath’s sister, volunteered at the fundraising event.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Tracy McGrath was grateful for the support of family and friends on Feb. 3, during a fundraiser held in memory of her husband Jimmy McGrath.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Tracy McGrath and her daughter, Kelli-Anne, greeted friends during the fundraiser.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Jeff DeAnna checked out items in the silent auction at "Pack the 'Jim' Night," held in Franklin Square on Feb. 3.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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More than 700 people attended a fundraiser, " Pack the ‘Jim’ Night," on Feb. 3 for the family of Franklin Square resident James McGrath, the father of four young children and husband to Tracy, who died on Dec. 6. He was 41 years old.

McGrath’s daughter, Kimberly, is a student at H. Frank Carey High School, where she’s a member of the girls’ junior varsity basketball team. After marrying Tracy, the couple moved to Franklin Square, and had three children, Kelli-Ann, Patrick and James. After attending one of Kimberly’s basketball games on Dec. 6, McGrath went home and began install Christmas Lights at his house, and tragically suffered a fatal heart attack.

McGrath, who worked at A-1 McGrath Roofing and Siding Inc. in Franklin Square, was very active with the Franklin Square/Elmont Police Athletic League’s boys’ lacrosse team, which he coached for several years.

"Pack the 'Jim' Night" was sponsored by the H. Frank Carey High School girls’ basketball team, in memory of McGrath. The Carey Dads’ Club and Carey Coach Anthony Turco, who initiated the idea for Pack the “Jim” Night, encouraged Carey High School families and friends to demonstrate their sense of community and compassion, and participate in the event.

The event was held during the Carey-Westbury High School girls’ basketball game, and raffles and prizes were given out during the junior varsity (4:30 p.m.) and varsity (6:15 p.m.) games. Donations were accepted at the door, and all proceeds were given to the McGrath family. Al Trautwig, a 1974 Carey graduate and hockey announcer for MSG, made an appearance and donated tickets to both New York Rangers and Knicks games

Both the Carey girls' varsity and junior varsity teams defeated Westbury on Feb. 3.

"Overall, it was a great night of the Carey community providing a night of love and support for the McGrath family, in memory of Jim McGrath," said Matt McClee, Carey's athletic director.

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