In our business and personal lives, we are sometimes blessed to meet, work with, create and share memories with, and enjoy the company of a few all-around wonderful people we call "friend". Jim was truly one of those special people. Friendship only begins when we are together in this life - building on the foundations we construct together, we keep our friends' memories alive by honoring them throughout the rest of our own lives. I will truly honor the memory of Jm McGrane as a man of character, a man of principle, a man with talent. And I will miss him as a dear friend.

I remember first meeting Jim at the Parsippany office. Immediately I was at ease. Jim's genuine interest in how he could help us better understand the business he so passionately enjoyed was immediately evident. Over lunch he educated us, got to know us, shared about himself and made us laugh. I am very fortunate to have worked with such a great man. Much peace to his wife, children and parents. May all of the wonderful memories sustain you.

My heart is heavy with the loss of Jim. Not only was he an admired and respected man, he was a thoughtful and kind man. Jim was a friend, mentor and sounding board, always quick to compliment and equally quick to dispense advise. An avid cyclist who posted crazy stats! Will continue to use Jim as my virtual partner for posting miles. We'll miss you my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Maryann, Samantha, Geoffrey and his family. God bless.

Always a smile, always a leader, always a model of integrity, always a friend who will forever live on in each of us who had the honor to know him. Rest in Peace Jim!

Rest in peace Jim. All in the equipment finance world will miss you.

When I met Jim 26 years ago, I was a wet-behind-the-ears kid just beginning my career; Jim was a bright, young executive leading a nationwide team of sales professionals. Why on earth would Jim squander time talking to a rookie like me?? Because, well, he was just being Jim.

Over the years, myself and many others have been privileged to be treated to the full ‘Jim experience.’ There were so many wonderful aspects to this man: Jim the bold visionary...Jim the dynamic leader...Jim the compassionate fellow-traveler...Jim the unrivaled instigator of jokes and pranks...Jim the mentor par excellence. And, the role most cherished by me, Jim my friend.

Words simply cannot express the depth of sorrow and acute feeling of loss at Jim’s passing. He was a person who touched the lives and hearts of all around him in a profound way. At the heart of the sorrow of losing such a gem of a human being, is the realization that we all have been bestowed a great blessing in life by having known Jim.

My own & Kym’s hearts and prayers go out to Maryanne, Geoffrey, Samantha and Jim’s parents. Jim lives on for us all through each one of you.

I have had the pleasure of working together with Jim at AT&T Capital and Heller Global Vendor Finance. Jim is one of the nicest people I have met in my life. My thoughts go to his wife and family.

Life grants each of us a few precious close friendships that last decades. Jim was one for me.

Jim and I have enjoyed our friendship since the days before we married our wonderful wives. We watched our families grow and shared numerous reasons for celebration. 

One of the most interesting characteristic about Jim was his enormous intensity for life and its potential for accomplishment.  From his achievements in his work life, the friendships he forged and nurtured, his cycling, church, music and especially the pride he had for his family, he managed his life in the most excellent way with an overwhelming passion for everything he did.

But there was also something magical about Jim ... it was his unique ability to positively motivate others. 

I will miss his engaging voice and mannerisms. Joan and I had many great times together with Jim and Maryann – boating, dinners, vacations, birthdays, graduations, movies, watching the Super bowl each year, just hanging out together.

If the worth of a person’s life is how many lives they affect in a meaningful way and the amount others love and respect us, then Jim certainly is a very wealthy man.

Jim, my buddy, I cherish the many experiences that we have shared. Joan and I will miss you greatly. You will always be in our thoughts.

Maryann, Geoff, Samantha, Christopher and family and Jim’s mom and dad – the hearts of everyone in my family go out to each of you. Please know that we will continue to be there for you.

Lastly, God, please Bless Jim. And ... enjoy Jim's company [I am sure You will].

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”~Author Unknown

For over 30 years, Jim has been a wonderful friend and colleague. I remember when we had offices next to each other at USL in San Francisco. I was lucky enough to work with him very closely, as well. Sometimes our conversations would get pretty heated. One time someone walked up to us during one of these discussions and asked why we fought so much. Jim and I both burst out laughing and Jim said we weren't fighting, we were just behaving like brothers and sisters do. He was always giving me good advice, even if I didn't always want to hear it, the mark of a real friend. Thank you, Jim. You'll be missed!

Jim provided me my first introduction to the leasing industry as my BST Sales Trainer at US Leasing in 1982. He was a mentor then and someone I always looked up to, admired and enjoyed getting together with over the years. He was one of the smartest and savvy guys I've ever had the privilege of knowing - but totally unpretentious, witty and down to earth. The world was a better place with his presence and he will be greatly,greatly missed.

I consulted to Jim's firm and knew him from the ELA. Jim was intensely intelligent and a person who wanted to drive to practical solutions. He was also very well respected and admired by his work people who found him to be a strong leader with integrity and great humanity. Very sad.

We were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He and I were colleagues in the 80's and 90's and our family lived in Randolph for a time. We will remember Jim as youthful, energetic, quick-witted and fun. Our thoughts and prayers are with you; God bless your family.

I worked with Jim during USXL's initial years. I will always remember Jim for his leadership skills, intelligence, and wit. Furthermore, he always impressed me with his kindness, patience, and desire to see the best in everyone with whom he worked. I was very saddened to hear the news of his passing. My sincerest condolences go out to his family.

Maryann, Geoffrey and Samantha, years ago I had the fortune to introduce your husband and father to a group of very talented young people. My feelings for Jim then and today have never wavered. His impact on my life and the life of so many will never fade. I will remember him always but wanted you to know what I and so many felt about him. I thought this introduction summed up my love and respect for Jim better than anything I could have written on this day. There are very few men that have meant so much to me and I doubt that I will ever feel the impact of his greatness again. I was blessed and honored.

MVP Dinner March 2008-MJ to introduce JM
Jim McGrane
We have one more award yet to give but before we get there I have the opportunity to introduce our final speaker of the evening. This is the first time in 5 years I have been given this opportunity (probably for good reason) so sit back and relax, it will only take a minute or two. Let me preface what I am about to say, most of you know me but for those that don’t, I am the furthest thing from politically correct that you are going to find, I don’t blow sunshine or smoke so if I am saying anyting it is from the heart. So if this sounds a little sappy, suck it up and if you think I am kissing up, tell me so at the conclusion of this meeting we can discuss it further. OK disclaimer concluded.

In preparing for this evening the term leadership continued to be at the beginning of every thought. When the World Trade Center was hit it was leadership that got the city and the country through the visual carnage depicted on every TV screen. When great battles waged were almost lost but somehow won it was leadership that motivated normal people like you and me to reach down and react. When you look at organizational success and pending failure, it is always leadership that provoked people to do what they otherwise would not have done. Most people in this country will never know what it is like to work for an inspirational leader, follow a person to the end. In 25 years I have had the opportunity to work with only two and if my life were to end tomorrow I have been blessed more than the millions of people that surround me and so have you.

The first was Lt. General “Mad” Max Thurman who among other things promoted the phrase “Be all that you can be” he did not come up with it but he made it mean something to so many.

The second promoted the phrase “One band, One Sound” but he too made it mean something to so many.

You won’t see quotes from vendors or the people we work with, he won’t be given an award, he seldom gets the recognition that he deserves nor does he ask for it because he is our leader. He does not ask you to be silent, in fact he provokes you to the point that you can’t hold back. He is not the emperor who has no cloths he is the guy who fights for you every hour of every day. Most of the time you don’t see him in combat, you don’t see the scares or the internal bleeding but make no mistake about it over the years he has laid his career and his honor at the feet of men who are much less leaders then he.

I came here 5 years ago almost to the date because of his dream, his vision, his passion and his reputation. I had no intensions of leaving the phenomenal organization I was with but after months of getting to know who he was and what he was trying to do I knew that we may have only one thing in common. That was the dream to build something very special, something that nobody has been able to build before and possibly never to be built again.

Over the years as we traveled to meet with many partners I witnessed a man who was immediately accepted in a world who accepts little, a guy from NY who could find one thing in common with a guy from SC, enough to build immediate trust, a quality that few have and many seek. He is a natural.

The last year has been tough on us all but you will never know how tough it has been on him, he will not let you see his worn torn battle scars but when you look into his eyes you will see a man who is the epitome of what this world, this business, this company needs. A compassionate, objective, push you to your limits and then ask you for more, leader of our business. I am honored and proud to have served with him. He is my captain, your captain….Jim McGrane.

“You work with Jim McGrane? What a great guy”. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that phrase over the past 10 years, it would be like winning Powerball. Jim was admired and revered by all who knew him.
The most genuine and charismatic leader I have ever known, what set Jim apart was that he could immediately connect with anyone. A trip with Jim was a chain of human interactions from discussing the best wine with a waiter to talking cars with a parking attendant to watching Jim wow any audience.
Jim invested personally in all of us to be better leaders, but it wasn’t just to help our business, it was because he believed in our human potential and his belief that if we were better leaders, we could make a difference.
Jim, I will miss your laughter, your friendship, your sage counsel and I am grateful for the time we had together. I know the world is a better place because you were here. God Bless the entire McGrane family.

Jim was a great leader, during good times and hard times. You could tell he loved what he did. He had compassion. He was caring. I will remember the smile he had on his face during company events. I will especially remember how he loved to play the harmonica. My thoughts are with his entire family.

So sad to hear the news of a great man who has left us too soon. I met Jim through Cornerstone at St. Matthews. I enjoyed being in his company and I knew Jim was good people the instant I met him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his kids and family. He will be missed.

Maryann, Geoffrey and Samantha, my condolences to you on your loss. Like many others on this page, I knew Jim through work. In the short time we worked together he made a huge impression on me. He was a fantastic leader and mentor, and all of our lives were richer for having known him.

Jimmy was....is.....and will always be my best friend. A dear, loving, friend of more than 45 years. There are no words that could possibly convey the bond that we shared. I Love You Jimmy, as I Love My Own.

Shelly, David, Jacob, and I will miss you profoundly.......while smiling quietly.....remembering all the adventures we had, all the growing up we had, all the family raising we had, all the life we had.

Maryann, Geoffrey, Samantha, Don, Gloria, Lisa, and Tommy........, Shelly, David, Jacob, and I wish you Strength, we wish you Comfort, we wish you Peace. We know, you will Endure, we know you will Thrive, we know you will Love. 

In due time our tears will dry, our hearts will mend, our spirit will lighten. In due time we will smile again, we will regain our balance and move ahead. And as we heal Jimmy will never, ever be forgotten.

Jimmy graced us with love, he showed compassion, he radiated heartfelt warmth. His laughter came easily and often, his wisdom settled amongst all of us, His friendship was genuine and true and most of all....he gave and shared Life with us all. For that you will always be a part of us. 

Our sorrow is the measure of our Love.....Thank You Jimmy.

I Love You
Stuart

Though my time knowing you, Jim, was very short…I feel like I’ve known you for years. You are such a great, genuine, down-to-earth person and leader. It’s hard to believe that I won’t get to have random chats about cycling with you, but I will always remember you trying out my new mountain-bike (with pink wheels) in your dress slacks, shirt & tie – so funny! :-)

Things will not be the same without you. Your light heart, passion, enthusiasm, energy and drive for the business were infectious to those around you – and certainly were to me. You will be greatly missed dear friend.

Knowing Jim for many, many years the things that stand out when I think of him are: kind, brilliant, great husband and father, man of faith and of course, beautiful blue eyes. I also have fond memories of our trip to Italy, the many, many ÉLA (and all names it was called by) conventions and of course getting together with kids when we lived close enough to do so. I will miss him and am comforted knowing that Maryann, Geoffrey and Samantha have such beautiful memories of a husband and father to sustain them.

I only knew Jim for the past year when I started cycling. While going through difficult times, you always remember the people that share some wise and good advice with you; and I can say Jim was one of them. He was always kind and thoughtful; he always had something nice to say about his wife and kids. But I specially remember the way his face got brighter when he talked about riding his bike with his son Geoff. We will miss you forever Jim.

Lisa and George Garcia and children are sending our most sincere heartfelt sympathy to Maryann, Geoffrey and Samantha and all of Jims loved ones….we are neighbors and through St. Matthews have come to know Maryann and Jim.  Heartbroken…we will be keeping you in our deepest prayers for such a lovely man….

Maryann, Geoffrey, and Samantha, your husband and father was a good friend with a great wit and sense of humor with whom I had the pleasure of sharing the joy of the season of Easter and the celebration of the Resurrection. May you take comfort in knowing that he truly believed In the circle of birth, death, and eternal life.

I met Jim in 1984 and I can truly say I owe my career to him. Throughout the years he has given me advise when asked, an ear when needed and a friendship forever. He will always be remembered and loved by the many, many people he touched during his life including me.

For over 30 years, Jim has been my friend, mentor and colleague. He is viewed this way by so many and the world is a poorer place now that he is no longer with us. I will miss his wild and crazy laugh, his intensity and drive to get things right - but most importantly, his caring heart. My family and I have been so blessed by his kindness and his wonderful way. I can truly say, I am a better person because of Jim McGrane's influence on my life. Goodbye my friend - I will miss you.

My deepest condolences go to Maryann, Geoffrey and Samantha, there are just no words to take away your pain right now.

Jim was an incredibly special man - a one of a kind leader. He was my dear friend and mentor.  He always had time for people, connected deeply with them, shared his knowledge and even more importantly opened his heart. He brought out the best in people. He inspired us to be better. We all learned so much from our time with him and I am grateful that we had that time, even though he was taken from this earth too early. God is now graced with an incredible angel.  Luv you Jim - I will miss you terribly.

For close to 20 years, Jim was my partner and mentor - but most importantly, my dearest friend. He was a very special person and probably the biggest influence on my life other than my parents and my wife, Hollie. He's already deeply missed. . .

I first met Jim in 2005-2006, when Societe Generale was exploring the creation of an equipment finance subsidiary in the US.
Jim gave us a lot of thoughtful advices, based on his in-depth experience of the US market. Always willing to help, a great person to work with.
On a more personal matter, we discussed last year doing some bike ride together, but unfortunately this will never happen.

I will miss his enthusiasm, energy and always positive attitude. I can also deeply relate to his staff, having already been twice in a similar situation of losing a highly respected leader close to me.

I will always treasure the time I was privileged to work with Jim. Maryann, Geoffrey and Samantha thank you for sharing yourselves with us and sharing your husband and dad during the time you were in Michigan. We miss all of you. We are keeping you in our prayers. I'm thinking that God must have really needed an awesome leader in heaven right now.

Thank you friend. Thank you for helping all of us see the world through a positive light and drawing out the best in each of us. ECF made it through many tough years because of that vision and will thrive in the years to come from the momentum you created. No worries. The house is in order. Peace.

Jim was a completely unpretentious person who gave freely of himself. I remember when I wanted to get a solid opinion about something I was considering for my business I asked Jim if he'd help me evaluate my plan. He graciously agreed to meet me for lunch and shared his time, experience, and wisdom as if that lunch meeting was the only thing he had on his plate. For years Jim and I shared personal and business thoughts and ideas on a vast array of subjects. My heart is very heavy and the world is diminished without him in it.

We are all better people and leaders thanks to Jim. He will be missed greatly by so many folks. Prayers and deepest sympathy to Jim's family.

Jim, Lee, Rey, Tom, Jim B., myself and many others loved to ride our bikes. We all enjoyed riding fast, talking and sharing our lives and just enjoying our time together on our bikes. We had a great trip planned together to go on a trip together to Napa on a Trek Travel trip. Jim was so looking forward to this trip.
I will still go and celebrate and remember our wonderful friend and ride in his honor.

I will always remember our great times spent in OBX. Jim always had a great sense of humor and our families shared many moments laughing til we were practically rolling on the floor. We will miss you dear friend, but I know we will meet again some day in heaven. Rest in peace.

Jim was a dear friend and riding buddy. We spent a lot of time on the road and shared a kindred spirit. My wife and I suffered the unimaginable loss of our 24 year old son last year as the result of a tragic accident. Jim spent a lot of time consoling me and just being there to buck up a friend. With a heavy heart my thoughts and prayers go out to Maryann, Geoff and Samantha. I know there is no way to ease their pain but just to say that Jim was a person with a good heart who I greatly admired and who truly was the salt of the earth. I will miss you buddy.

Jim was a very special person and I can't seem to comprehend that he is no longer with us. I can't think of a kinder, nicer and warmer person. Jim got me into road cycling for which I will always be grateful and I am sure I will think of him each time I ride. Good bye friend.

I had the pleasure of working with Jim in several capacities over the years. He was a true professional and one of the nicest people in our business. He made a lasting impression on our industry and on all hios colleagues.

Jim was a true friend, colleague and brother. I have had the joy of knowing him since 1991. He gave the best of himself to bring out the best in others. Jim was a true leader who was able to establish a heartfelt connection with everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. I will miss him immensely. My thoughts and prayers continue for Maryann, Geoffrey, Samantha and Jim's entire family.