James "Jay" Patrick McGinley

James "Jay" Patrick McGinley, a lifelong teacher and Hall of Fame wrestling coach, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Friday, April 12, 2024. He was born in January 1952 in Kingston, PA, son of the late Edward and Geraldine McGinley. His father passed when he was five years old - a watershed moment that forged a deep bond with his four siblings and sowed Jay's trademark patience and quiet resilience. As the youngest brother, his wrestling career started early in the front room of their family home and continued through his life. He graduated from high school at Wyoming Valley West before attending and graduating from Wilkes University. At Wilkes, he wrestled for legendary coach John Reese and was on the 1970-1971 team that went unbeaten, won the MAC team championship, and finished fifth at the national championship tournament. While there, he also met a cheerleader who would be his future wife and lifelong love, the late Jacqueline "Jackie" Falk. After marrying in 1975, Jay and Jackie moved to Catawissa and eventually to Bloomsburg to raise their two daughters: Kathy and Sarah. For 33 years in the Southern Columbia Area School District, Jay taught 5th grade science and math and coached junior high and varsity wrestling. He made a tremendous impact on his students' lives both in the classroom and on the wrestling mat. He was patient, perpetually kind, and an ardent encourager - always leading by example. At Southern Columbia, his teams won five Mid-Penn championships, three Columbia County titles, and brought the first state wrestling championship to the school in 1984. Jay also coached 11 state placewinners. As a result of his successful dedication to the sport and commitment to the community, he was inducted into the Halls of Fame for his high school, his university, District 4, and the Southern Columbia Area. He was also named Mid-Penn coach of the year five times, District 4 coach of the year twice, and PIAA coach of the year in 1984. In his off time, he ran a successful rental and home improvement business with his best friends, spending time each summer golfing and working on their rentals. A runner and casual tri-athlete, he instilled in his family the therapeutic benefit of living an active life and how to paddle a kayak to victory. To the surprise of his medical team, but not anyone that knew him personally, he was riding a stationary bike and lifting dumbbells even in his final days in the ICU. Above all else, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Jay is survived by his brothers and sister (Ned, Tim, Terry, and Geraldine), daughters Kathy McGinley and Sarah McGinley, son-in-law J.P. McAfee and five grandchildren (Julius Serrano, Rose Adams, James Paul McAfee, Violet Adams and John McAfee). A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg with Rev. Richard J. Mowery, Celebrant. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to be serving the McGinley family. Memorial contributions in Jay's name are suggested to: The R. Scott Kohler Memorial Scholarship Fund benefiting Southern Columbia wrestlers in their pursuit of higher education (https://csgiving.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1254 ).

James "Jay" Patrick McGinley

January 5, 1952 - April 12, 2024