James J. McHugh

James J. McHugh, Athletic Director, Teacher, Coach, James J. McHugh, 83, athletic director, teacher and coach at Gwynedd Mercy Academy Elementary School for forty-one years, died Friday, April 15, at home in Ambler, PA. Jim was born on October 2, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA to George F. and Anastasia E. McHugh. He grew up in Glenside, PA, as the 4th eldest of 9 children. He attended Saint Helena's and Cheltenham High School. After only one semester at Temple University, Jim was drafted into the Army and was honorably discharged in July of 1947. He returned to Temple on the G.I. Bill to finish his degree, however, his talents as a second basemen resulted in his being signed to play professional baseball in the minor leagues. His minor league career began with the St. Louis Browns, on to the KOM (Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri) League and then with the Philadelphia Phillies farm system. After five years pursuing his baseball career, Jim returned fulltime to Temple and received a degree in Physical Education and a Master's Degree in Education. Jim met fellow Physical Education major, Maria (Maisie) Lutz at Temple. Their love of sports, especially the Phillies, and Maria's job as...[more]

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usherette at Connie Mack Stadium started a special bond which resulted in their marriage of 57 years. Jim began his fulltime teaching career in 1954 at Gwynedd Mercy Academy where Maria was teaching physical education. This began Jim's forty-one year career as beloved teacher, coach and summer camp director with the Sisters of Mercy. Mr. McHugh started the sports' program at the boys' academy and continued as Athletic Director and history teacher until his retirement in 1994. He cherished his many summers as director of Gwynedd Mercy College Day Camp, and always looked forward to awarding his baseball cap to the camper that best exemplified the qualities most important to him; sportsmanship, kindness and enthusiasm. In 1991, when the Academy completed construction on a new wing, the gymnasium was named the James J. McHugh Gymnasium. Principal Sister Rosemary Herron R.S.M, said there was only one possible choice as Jim embodied the true mercy spirit by making it a priority to organize a sports program that allowed all children to participate, regardless of their skill level. Jim and his wife Maria worked side by side, he at the elementary school and she at the high school, while raising their seven children. It was clear that Jim and Maria instilled the importance of education in their children as they proudly watched all seven complete both college and graduate degrees. Jim also passed on his love of sports to his children, and would bring all of them to Connie Mack Stadium and then Veterans Stadium. They often arrived early enough to see batting practice. Jim was in attendance when the Whiz Kids played in the 1950 World Series and also there at the 1980 World Series, fulfilling his lifelong dream to see his beloved Phillies win the championship. Jim's dedication to his family continued as he became the proud "Pop-Pop" of fourteen grandchildren. He relished this role and delighted in their many accomplishments. Although retired from formal coaching, he loved to impart his sports knowledge to his grandchildren and attended as many of their sports endeavors as he could. Jim loved to travel with his family and took the trip of a lifetime when he, along with Maria, his brother and sister toured Ireland in 1995. He loved music, particularly Frank Sinatra. When once asked to reflect on his life Jim said "My prayer each morning is one of thanksgiving--God has blessed me with so much." He is the Loving father of Katie (John) McGreevy, Mary (Thomas) Pichola, Eileen (Gerard) Gray, Stacy (Paul) Mauer, James J. McHugh Jr., Joan (Edward) Williams, Beth (Keith) Hadayia. Also survived by his 14 grandchildren, Kate, John, Tim, Jimmy, Colleen, Michael, Mary Pat, Elizabeth, Maggie, Maureen, Paul, Molly, Kathleen and Tommy. Dear brother of Katherine Enck, Ann Dehner (Edward), John McHugh (Nancy), and the late Charles, Arthur, George, Edward and Walter. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Tuesday 6 to 8 P.M. at the ANTON B. URBAN FUNERAL HOME, 1111 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler and Wednesday from 9 to 10:15 A.M. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Forest Ave., Ambler. Funeral Mass 10:30 A.M. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to Gwynedd Mercy Academy Elementary School, 816 Norristown Rd. Springhouse, PA. 19477.