James McParland Obituary

James Nicholas McParland
In Loving Memory of James Nicholas McParland.
We are saddened to announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Jim McParland of Holmes Beach, FL. He passed away peacefully with the love of his life, Lee, by his side on January 8, 2025.
Jim's biggest joy was spending time with his family, and he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lee McParland, his daughter, Keri and son-in-law, Brian Whiting of Victoria, BC and son, Nick and daughter-in-law, Ginny of Madison, CT. He was an adored Pop Pop to his grandchildren, Liam, Jameson and Camryn McParland, never missing a sporting event, special occasion or moment to provide life advice. Additionally, Jim is survived by his sister, Margaret Paeth, brother-in-law, Tom Flaherty, sister-in-law, Barbara Cole and her husband Herb, brother-in-law, Alan Rugman and brother-in-law, John Rugman and his wife Nancy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Hannah, brother, Bill, sister-in-law, Jean, sister, Ann, father-in-law, George Rugman, mother-in-law, Lenore Rugman and brother-in-law, George Rugman.
Jim was favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews, always cherishing time with each and every one of them and just so proud of all of their accomplishments.
Jim was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 24, 1939, to parents, James and Hannah McParland. The majority of his childhood was spent in Jamaica Plains just outside Boston, making many lifelong friends. He loved sharing stories of their shenanigans and his experiences as an A student.
He married the love his life, Lee, on December 14, 1968. They settled and loved their life in Cheshire, CT, where they raised their children and built their dream home. The time in Cheshire was highlighted by forming many incredible friendships that Jim enjoyed right until the end. Lee and Jim raised their family with love, hard work, joy and dedication to the community. They were long time members of the Farms Country Club in Wallingford, CT, where Jim enjoyed his regular golf matches and made yet more great friends.
Jim had a remarkable career and was very proud of the work he did, providing a better life for working people as Business Agent, Financial Secretary Treasurer and Executive Director of the Benefit Funds for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478 in Hamden, CT. Jim spent the last years of his career as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Coalition of Taft-Hartley Health Funds. Jim was known as an innovative labor leader and was instrumental in the adoption of one of the first project labor agreements in Connecticut and multi-trade health care coalitions, which continue today to make an incredible impact for millions of union families across America.
Jim and Lee spent the last 17 years in retirement on Anna Maria Island, FL. After coming from such humble beginnings, Jim was so proud to be able to call that paradise home and share it with his family and friends. During those years, Jim continued his passion for golf in Florida, where he was a member of IMG Academy Golf Club and the Key Royale Club. Jim and Lee always enjoyed a constant flow of visitors and loved sharing with them the beautiful beaches, great people and incredible sunsets on AMI.
Jim touched countless lives with his wisdom, quick wit, incredible storytelling, endless flow of jokes, and unwavering love of his family. Jim was a big personality and loved to talk to anyone and everyone - always wanting to know about their story. We will miss his stories and recaps of his everyday interactions.
Jim's family would like to thank everyone who has been a support through this difficult time. We will miss Jim every day, but carry on his legacy by stopping to reflect regularly on great times together and look back on him with a smile and laugh about all the incredible experiences and memories.
Jim's family asks that anyone interested in recognizing him do so through donations to charities near and dear to his heart: Roser Food Pantry, https://roserchurch.com and Hope After Loss, https://www.hopeafterloss.org/ .
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.