BANGOR – James E. McGrath, 86, died Nov. 20, 2005, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor. He was born Sept. 29, 1919, in Bar Harbor, the son of Martin and Annie (O’Donnell) McGrath. After graduating from Bar Harbor High School, James joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, where he was assigned as an engineer for the Top Turret Gunner on the B-17 airplane. Flying out of England over war torn Germany, his plane was hit and the four-man crew bail-out. James and his crew were captured and spent two months in Stalagluft No. 1 Compound No. 3. After the longest two months of his life, the Russians freed them and returned them to the U.S. Military. James and his crew returned to the United States on Nov. 1, 1945, and earned the Purple Heart, the Luxenburg Medal of Honor, the French Legion of Honor and many Air medals. After his military services, James joined the U.S. Postal Service for many years and in later years was active as an accountant. James was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree of Bangor, American Legion, Disables American Veterans and the VFW. He is survived by one niece, Karen Farley, of Bar Harbor; four nephews, Robert Lee Jr. of Hancock Point, Wayne Lee of Bar Harbor, Richard Lee of Bar Harbor and Terrence McGrath. He was predeceased by one sister, Catherine Lee; and two brothers, Michael and Joseph McGrath. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Catholic Church in the Chapel of St. Judes. Interment will be in the family lot at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Bar Harbor. Arrangements by the Greenlawn Funeral Directors, Bangor.
JAMES E. McGRATH
