James Paul McGlone, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, professor, and theater director, passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2026. He was 94.

James — who often referred to himself as Jimmy from Boonton — was defined by his Catholic faith, his devotion to his wife and family, and his love for Seton Hall University. At times, these passions overlapped. His four children and four of his grandchildren graduated from Seton Hall—with three more currently undergraduates—and his kids were part of the theater community.

Jim and “his bride” Virginia hosted Christmas Eve celebrations at home, their ever-growing family singing carols and decorating the tree. More than 46 gathered last year. He delighted in summer barbecues with grandchildren, hearing stories of their soccer games, gymnastic competitions, and golf outings. “Pop Pop” drove seven grandsons to Seton Hall Prep for the better part of a decade, decorated his van with stickers from colleges up and down the east coast, and boasted of the articles they wrote and the games they played. Those who came by for a visit were sure to be greeted with the offer of a cup of tea and the question, “What are you reading?”

Born in Boonton, James was a lifelong parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. He launched his short-lived performance career in the parish’s middle school talent shows and went on to perform regularly at Boonton High School. James graduated from Seton Hall in 1954 and then attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a master’s degree.

He was drafted into the Army and was stationed in France, where he discovered his love of French wine. In 1965, he joined the faculty at Seton Hall and two years later he completed his PhD at New York University. Known as “Doc” to his students and actors, James was the favorite professor whom students sought out at graduation to introduce to their parents. He was the mentor who was invited to — and attended — dozens of weddings, baptisms and ordinations. He loved the challenge of the classroom and the camaraderie of the Theatre-in-the-Round. He ended every class in the same way: “It’s been a little bit of heaven right here on Earth being here with you today.” He officially retired in 2011, but he continued to teach part-time and visit his former colleagues.

James established the Celtic Theatre Company in 1978, and produced dozens of plays with casts led by many of Ireland’s top actors. He traveled to Ireland many times, befriended playwrights and performers, and researched the history of Irish theater. The Celtic Theatre performed an original Irish-American play in Ireland in 1992. He published a biography of Abbey Theatre director Ria Mooney in 2002.

James is survived by Virginia, his wife of 65 years, children Virginia Hughes (Patrick), Joseph McGlone (Catherine), Peggy McGlone, and Anne Marie Van Hoven (Bruce), 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Dangler, Lewis and Carey Funeral Home, 312 W. Main Street, Boonton. The funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 910 Birch Street, Boonton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seton Hall University.