It's not that common to get to know the parents of players, especially the parents of opposing players. But one man in particular was a fixture at CDMSBL games watching his son patrol left field with grace and sure-handedness. And watch his son drive in clutch run after clutch run. He was a proud pop, for sure.
But Jim McQuade Sr. was more than that. He was everyone's friend. Kind, considerate, thoughtful and simply flat out friendly. Just like his son. Respected everyone, including the Cubs' opponents, and everyone respected him.
He and his lovely wife, Kathy, sitting in their fold-up baseball chairs waiting for the next pitch, next play and anxious every time a play or an at-bat involved their Hall of Fame son. Foul balls into the parking lots? No worries. Mr. McQuade was on it.
I'm saddened today when Jim informed me of his dad's passing. Now we all are. It won't be the same at the old ball yard looking up and not seeing either him or his wife. They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary tomorrow (Thursday the 12th). Mr. McQuade, as Jim said, didn't want to remember that day without his wife who passed within the last 6-7 months. He wanted to be with her.
Mr. McQuade was unable to be at the Cubs-Giants championship game this year. But he was happy to know his Cubbies finally beat the Giants. I know he would have congratulated the Giants on a great run and meant it from his heart.
I sent him a condolence card when his wife passed. He sent me a "thank you'' card. I still have that card.
One small-world story: Jimmy and I were talking one day and told me he had graduated from Columbia High School. When I told him that my step-brothers graduated from there he asked who they were. Turns out the McQuades lived right next door to my mom and step-dad. Jimmy lit up when he said he knew "Louie.'' In fact, he had been at my mom's house to swim in the pool. When I spoke to Mr. and Mrs. McQuade about it, they obviously were quite surprised and then paid them several compliments.
Jimmy Mac, you had one helluva mom and dad. May your dad now rest in eternal peace and be reunited with the love of his life.
Jim K (Check the TU obituaries Friday for details).
-- Edited by sfgiants on Thursday 12th of December 2019 09:50:15 AM
Always enjoyed seeing him at the ballpark...he always went out of his way to ask how I was doing....a true gentlemen. Condolences to Jim and his family. May God Bless.
Mr. McQuade will be missed. Ernie Banks may be the Mr. Cub of Chicago but the Senior McQuade will always our Mr. Cub of the CDMSBL. Sorry to hear the news.
The Cubbies hearts are broken today, because we are left to face the future without this Hall of Fame Fan and Dad. Jim said it best, when he talked about his Dad's passing: "It is a sad day for all of us, but a very happy day for him, because he is back together with the love of his life." Jimmy K said it all, when he said that Mr. McQuade was everyone's friend. I never met anyone that didn't love him, right away. Our wives, our kids, and even our grand kids loved him at first meeting. He was over the top friendly to everybody he met. If the world was filled with Jim McQuades, we wouldn't have any fighting. What a beautiful place this would be.
Godspeed Jim McQuade. Say hi to your lovely wife for us. We will be thinking of you every time we play a game.
Gosh, i'm so sorry to hear this...i have such great memories of Mr. McQuade cheering on "his cubs". It was truly an honor to know such a wonderful soul. May he be at peace with his wonderful wife, Kathy, who was just as sweet and kind as can be. Much love and prayers to the McQuade family....God Bless xoxo
Such a beautiful man. He was so uplifting and we saw the fan part of that... i can only imagine it permeated his existence and the lives of everyone he touched.
Jim Jr. , you are so much like him , he lives on in that enthusiasm and positive nature. We'll all miss him though.
I'll never forget , down many runs he would say, "lets get some runs!" He made us believe in ourselves more than once. Peace to the Family.
Hard to process this giant of a man will no longer be there, rooting everyone on with a kind word and smile for all.
Guys like senior dont come along often. It was always an honor to have him say hello to you, and he will be missed.
Rest In Peace sir.
Days like today getting the news like today just plain out suck! Jim my sincere condolences to you and your family. You will be in our prayers. Lean on all your baseball brothers in this league. We are ALL here for you brother. God bless Lex