“He was a dedicated member of the order,” said fellow National Life Member Michael O’Rourke. “He was very active with the Feis, and helped build the stages. He was a worker.”

John joined Division 5 in Far Rockaway back in 1957 and later transferred to Division 3 in the Five Towns. Over the years he held many positions in the Order, including serving as Assistant National Freedom for All Ireland Chair back in the late in 1970s. He also held a few state appointed positions.

In 2002, John was awarded with National Lifetime Membership for his service to the Order and continued to be active with the division and county up until his accident.

He is survived by his nephew former Nassau County President and State Director Ed Friel, three daughters and four grandchildren.

John will be waked 7-9 pm on Tuesday and  2-4 pm and 7-9 pm and Wednesday this week at Fullerton’s Funeral Home on Merrick Road. Baldwin, NY. With the Mass of Christian Burial taking place on 9:45 am on Thursday at St. Christopher’s Church in Baldwin.

A member of Division 8 since 1953, Jim has served as Divisional  President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and Marshal.

He was born in Glen Cove on July 9, 1933 to Peter McCabe from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan and Mary Ellen McCabe (nee Moran) from New York City.  The oldest of six children, James graduated from St. Patrick’s School in Glen Cove. And then attended St. Michael’s High School in Conesus, NY, a prep school for the missionary Brothers of the Society of the Divine Word (S.V.D.) for three and a half years.  Deciding that the religious life was not his vocation, he transferred to Glen Cove High School and graduated in 1951.

James then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April, 1952.  He was assigned to the USS Missouri right of boot camp and after a shakedown cruise that ship was off for Korea.  He was on board that ship for three years and helped put the ship in “mothballs” the first time.  He then spent a year aboard a submarine tender based in San Diego, CA.

After the service, James returned to Glen Cove, where he married Sophie Shepanski and together they raised two sons, James and Matthew.  They are now the proud grandparents of five grandchildren.

One of his proudest moments as an Hibernian was assisting in the response to Cardinal O’Connor’s request that the Order fill St. Patrick’s Cathedral when protestors threatened to desecrate it. And in 2005 the Division awarded him with its highest honor, naming him Grand Marshal of the Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Jim helped keep the Irish tradition alive by joining the Thomondgate Dancers who performed at schools, nursing homes and feisanna and at public events such as the Tercentennial celebration in downtown New York City.

A brother for 57 years, Jim has served this organization and division in many facets, remaining active in almost all activities.

So good luck Jim, as the National Board will have a very tough decision on its hands come July.