James M. McNamara

James M. McNamara of Doylestown, PA passed away at his home on February 20, 2025 after a

long illness. He was 80. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sharon (nee McClain)

and their daughter Robin (Tim) and son Evan (Brittany) and grandsons Gus, Vincent and

Finnegan. Also survived by his brothers William (Mary), Robert (Karen), Patrick (Kristin), Joseph

(Joan), and John (Anne). Predeceased by his parents James and Rosemary McNamara (nee

Weyant) and brothers Thomas (Betty Ann), Gerald (survived by his wife Mary Fran), Michael

(survived by his former wife Diane), and his sister Rosemary McDonough (John). He will be

dearly missed by dozens of nieces and nephews, and by his Tinari, McNamara and O’Neill

cousins.

Jim grew up in Glenside as the oldest of James and Rosemary McNamara’s ten children. He

had a successful academic career at St. Luke’s School and Bishop McDevitt High School,

achieving high honors and making many lifelong friends.

Jim was awarded a full scholarship to St. Francis College in Loretto, PA. While there, he was

editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. It was at St. Francis in 1963 that he met his future wife,

Sharon. Their relationship deepened the day President Kennedy was assassinated; they spent

hours together discussing the future and consoling one another on that tragic day.

After college, Jim attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1969. He accepted a position at

Fidelity Bank in Philadelphia. After two years, he and Sharon took several months off and

backpacked across Europe, marveling at the great works of art and culture they explored

together.

Upon his return, he took a position as an Assistant Public Defender for Bucks County and was

appointed Chief Public Defender a year later. In 1975, he was named County Solicitor for Bucks

County. An important case he litigated during his tenure was Bucks County’s lawsuit to stop the

use of Delaware River water to cool the Limerick Nuclear Plant then under construction. While

ultimately unsuccessful, the effort was emblematic of his commitment to environmental

protection.

In 1975, Jim went into private practice, forming a law firm with David Heckler, William Bolla, and

later with Thomas Panzer. Jim developed a practice effectively representing local governments

and zoning hearing boards. He was also known for his expertise in trusts and estates.

Family was central to Jim’s life. The McNamara family had nine sons before his only sister Rose

arrived. That news was picked up by local and later national newspapers, resulting in an

appearance on the popular television game show “I’ve Got a Secret” in 1959. Jim was an

enthusiastic sportsman, excelling at baseball and basketball and later becoming an avid golfer.

He loved summer trips to Strathmere, the Phillies and the Eagles, birding, and reading and

discussing classic literature. He had a deep melodious voice, which he used to great effect

leading the sunset rendition of “God Bless America” at the Shore every year.

First and foremost, he was a family man.

Funeral services will be private. Friends and family are invited to leave remembrances at the

Scanlin-McDonald website, at the Philadelphia Inquirer or at the Intelligencer in Doylestown.

They are also invited to raise a glass and share a story about Jim. He truly was “a river to his

people.”

Contributions in Jim’s name can be made to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.