James J. Hanrahan

It is with great sadness that we announce that James J. Hanrahanof St. James, NY passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 at the age of 81. 

Born in Queens, NY in 1940 to James and Edith Hanrahan, Jim grew up in Wantagh, NY and graduated from Seton Hall High School, class of 1958, before attending the University of Dayton. Jim met Julia (Judy) O’Brien on a blind date on St. Patrick’s Day 1960 (both Seton Hall graduates) and married in November 1964 at Sts. Philip and James Church. After a brief time in Virginia, they settled in St. James in 1965, raised four children, and together enjoyed tennis, golf, sailing trips,traveling to Ireland, and dancing the Lindy. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this past November.

Jim served in the Army from 1963-1965, before selling ladies shoes, frozen foods, and eventually stocks on Wall Street, where he rose from trader at First Boston to Equity Trading Partner at Lynch, Jones, and Ryan. He was honored to be chosen by Irish America magazine as one of the “Best and Brightest on Wall Street” in 1998. He was a staple on the LIRR for thirty years, riding the bar car with his Wall Street buddies. He had a tremendous work ethic, his famous motto being “your attitude determines your altitude.”

Despite his professional accomplishments, he would claim his greatest accomplishment of all was his beautiful family. He would often say that he never needed to play the lottery because he already won. He was a pillar of support and encouragementfor all of them.

Jim was an avid chef and was most happy planning family mealsand hosting friends and family for dinner. He loved holding court around the dining room table, making everyone laugh with his quick wit, fast puns, hilarious jokes, and entertaining stories. He loved making people laugh, but no one laughed more at his jokes than he did, which made it all the more hilarious. He made our lives so much fun.

He was generous, energetic, and like most Irishmen, “a little”stubborn. He was a wonderful friend to so many, an avid reader, a history buff, a Jeopardy whiz, a gardener, and a lover of everything Irish. He enjoyed his red wine, coffee ice cream, and all sports, especially the NY Mets, Giants and Notre Dame football.

He is survived by his adoring family: wife Judy; four children Kathleen (David) Olchowski, Julie (Thomas) Costello, Jim (Amy) Hanrahan, and Kevin (Jennifer) Hanrahan; seven-and-a half grandchildren: Daniel, Emily and Julia Olchowski, Katieand Colleen Costello, Ella and Avery Hanrahan, and baby girl Hanrahan (due in July); sister Eileen Kvicala; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sts. Philip and James Parish Social Ministry. 1 Carow Place St. James, NY 11780

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.