James Francis McBrearty

Born in Havertown, Jim was a die hard Eagles fan and the original Eagleman. Despite his goofier attributes and failed pro wrestling dreams for his alter ego, the dune man of Avalon , he went on to put himself through law school while raising four kids.

Jim was inspired by 'To Kill A Mockingbird', because Atticus Finch’s character was an example of exactly who he wanted to be; who he did become in his kids eyes. He was a man of unwavering loyalty, exemplified by his willingness to take on the responsibility of raising all four of his kids on his own. He gave up a lot of opportunities so that he could be an ever-present parent, and it wouldn’t be over-generous to say that he went out of his way to be a dad to his kids' friends as well. Jim was the Belushi to his friend group’s animal house, and he will live forever in the memories of his frat brothers, his siblings, his kids, and his grandkids.

Jim leaves behind four kids (Sean, Meaghan, Dan, and Joe McBrearty), three grandsons (Liam, Donovan, and James), and four granddaughters (Mary, Maddie, Virginia, and Beverly).

Jim was the eldest brother of ten kids, and spent his younger years doing his best to be a menace to society, as the arthritis in the nuns’ hands from smacking him may show.

To quote Jim’s favorite movie (with some edits):

“*Jim McBrearty* was my great friend, but I don’t ever remember telling him that. The words that are spoken at a funeral are spoken too late for the man that is dead. What a wonderful thing it would be to visit your own funeral; to sit at the front and hear what was said; maybe to say a few things yourself. *James* and I grew old together, but at times we laughed, we grew younger. If he was here now, he could hear what I say- I’d congratulate him on being a great man and thank him for being a friend.”

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Dorothy Catholic Church, located at 4910 Township Line Rd, Drexel Hill, PA, 19026, on March 12, 2026, starting at 10:30 am. A private interment will take place at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA.