James C. McGough ’55

Jim died Feb. 5, 2021, of COVID-19 following an extended illness. Dee, his wife of 53 years, said of his passing, “He was a great man and a great husband; we had a wonderful life. He was a faithful friend to many.” 

Jim was born March 22, 1933, in Pittsburgh and graduated from Wilkinsburg High School outside Pittsburgh, the city where he spent much of his life. At Princeton he joined Dial Lodge, majored in history, and was involved with WPRU, St. Paul’s Society, and Whig-Clio. Senior year he roomed with Harry Estill and John Cruikshank. Princeton was a lifelong interest, and he was a fixture within the large Princeton contingent in the Pittsburgh area. He loved to attend Reunions, notably his 60th in 2015 that he celebrated with Estill and Cruikshank.

After graduation, three years in the Air Force and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, Jim joined Mellon Bank. There he spent his business life, capped by five years at Mellon Bank Florida in Boca Raton, retiring as president in 1988. 

Jim and Dee loved to travel, especially in the UK and on summer expeditions to Stone Harbor, N.J. He was dedicated to community work, especially for the Episcopal Church and for juvenile justice. 

Jim is survived by Dee; son Stewart; daughter Margaret; and six grandchildren.