In Memoriam: Major General James Joseph McMonagle, USMC (Ret.)
Dignity Memorial: James Joseph McMonagle was born in San Antonio, TX on February 18, 1932, to James Connell and Helen Irene (Miller) McMonagle. As an only child on a 200-acre family farm in Von Ormy, TX, Jim grew up valuing family and knowing that hard work and sacrifice were part of life. These were ethics he instilled in his three sons and exemplified to countless Marines.
In addition to farm chores, Jim also had a variety of summer jobs such as in a hardware store, as an electrician’s helper, and at a pottery factory. Jim began Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, TX just as World War II ended, graduating in 1949. Like many young men of that era, Jim participated in Army Jr ROTC. His lifelong propensity for looking older than he was began early; on more than one occasion, people seeing him in his Jr ROTC uniform asked him which campaigns he had served in during the war.
Jim was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, class of 1953. He left Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and many burgeoning lifelong friendships. Upon arriving on campus for registration, a Marine Gunnery Sergeant approached and asked him if he would like to get out of one English and two required theology classes. Though he considered himself a serious student, Jim acknowledged that this proposition intrigued him, so he asked for some information. The only “catch” was that he first had to enroll in Naval ROTC. Having enjoyed Army Jr ROTC in high school, he decided to give the Naval Services a try. This chance encounter began a journey that would span more than 70 years of his life with the Marine Corps, serving more than 35 years on active duty, and another 35 years post-retirement.
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From The G-Man salutes Major General McMonagle and his service to the country with the following video. May his family, fellow Marines, and friends find some measure of comfort in the days to come, and may he forever rest in peace.