James Francis McGuirk

James Francis McGuirk, age 87, of Worcester and Eastham, Massachusetts died peacefully on April 7, 2026 in the presence of his loving family at his home. Jim was born in Worcester, son of Francis A. and Miriam R. (Burke) McGuirk. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Katherine L. (Morris) McGuirk, a son James F. McGuirk, Jr. and his wife Maureen (Campbell) McGuirk of Millbury, Massachusetts, two daughters: Kara A. and her husband Dr. Mark T. Woods of Melbourne, Florida and Meghan E. McGuirk of Worcester, and a granddaughter Margaret Mary and her husband Rudy Deal of Cocoa, Florida. Jim also leaves his brother John E. McGuirk of Worcester, and two sisters: Patricia A. Drohan and her husband John of Centerville, Massachusetts and Carol M. McGuirk of Worcester. In addition, he leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, grand-nieces and nephews and extended family.

Jim was a graduate of St Peter’s High School, Class of 1956. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Worcester State College and received a C.A.G.S. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He received National Science Foundation grants for study and did extensive post graduate work at Boston College, Boston University, Brown University, Wesleyan University, State University of New York Oneonta, and the University of California Berkeley.

Jim retired after 41 years as an educator, teaching Science in the Worcester Public Schools. Over the years, he served as Chairman of the Science Departments at Grafton Street Junior High, Harrington Way Junior High, and South High Schools, Chairman and Coordinator for Science Department Heads, and Science Liaison for the Worcester School System. 

Jim was an author and co-author of science textbooks and material for Holt, Rinehart, and Winston Publishers, Pendulum Press, and the American Cancer Society. He contributed extensively to science curricula for the Worcester Public Schools and the Massachusetts Department of Education. He presented teacher training workshops and courses at several colleges and numerous State and National Science Conventions around the country.

Jim held memberships in the EAW, the MTA, the NEA, the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers and Supervisors, the NSTA, and held elected offices in several.

He served for six years in the 101st Aircraft Control & Warning Flight in the Massachusetts Air National Guard. In 1961 his unit was activated during the Berlin Crisis and sent to Germany.

Calling hours at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester on Sunday, April 12, from 4 to 7 pm. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 23 Fales Street, Worcester on Monday, April 13 at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 23 Fales Street, Worcester, MA 01606.