June 21, 2005--James P. McGrory, 81, of Wilmington, died June 20 at St. Francis Hospital.

He retired from UD’s security department after serving for 19 years.

Born in New Castle, Mr. McGrory was a Delaware state police officer, retiring after 20 years as a captain and troop commander of Troop #6 at Penney Hill.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division and earned a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantry Badge in the European theatre.

Mr. McGrory was a life member of the State Police Retired Association and a member of the Southeastern Police Chief Association and the American Society of Industrial Security, where he chaired the Delaware chapter in 1981. He also was a life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, where he served on several committees. In 1996, he cosponsored the McGrory-Crowe Award, which is given annually to an outstanding police officer. He was also a member of St. Elizabeth Church.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen (Bryner) McGrory; his son, James P., Jr., and his wife, Mary, of Springfield, Va.; and two grandchildren, Kristin and Casey.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, at the Mealey Funeral Home, Limestone and Milltown roads, Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 23, at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton streets, Wilmington. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Elizabeth Church, 809 South Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19805.