James T. Hargrove Obituary
James T. Hargrove, 72, of Gloucester, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Beverly Hospital, now reunited with his late wife, Mimi Hargrove.
Born in Chicago, Illinois on August 1, 1952, Jim was the son of the late Patricia A. (Smith) Hargrove. His maternal grandparents, the late Ernest D. Smith, Jr. and Laura K. (Barrett) Smith, were both instrumental in his childhood, teens, and later years.
Jim was a graduate of Loyola University, Chicago where he received a bachelor's degree in Theatre. Most importantly, this is where Jim met Mimi and they started their life together. They were married in 1974 but dreams of living by the ocean drew them to Gloucester where they had lived since 1981. Having spent summers on Lake James, Indiana, Jim transferred his boating knowledge to the Atlantic's open waters and enjoyed taking his family on boat trips around the Cape Ann coastline.
Jim was a fount of knowledge which did not end at theatre design nor maritime regulations. Initially working in insurance, Jim attended night school and received his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School. Jim was currently serving as Senior Counsel, Chair for Insurance Advisory Services and Litigation Groups at Brooks & DeRensis, Boston. Previously, Jim was at Deutsch Williams, Goulston & Storrs, PC, and Morrison Mahoney LLP. Among his many accolades, he represented the Underwriters at Lloyds, London and argued before the Massachusetts Appeals Court, Connecticut Appeals and Supreme Courts, and the Federal First and Second Circuits.
Never one to shy away from a debate, Jim enjoyed engaging people and gathering information which also helped him win many games of Trivial Pursuit. He was a proud member of the Plum Cove Ladies Auxiliary Rangers and spoke counsel and comfort to his many friends on the island and across the United States. Stoic, strong, and loving, Jim will be missed by many.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Laura Hargrove and partner Matthew Wright of Wakefield; his son, J.T. Hargrove of Portland, OR; sister, Barbara Hargrove of Gloucester; in-laws, Robyn and Ralph Deger of Kitty Hawk, NC and Laurie Finney of Fountain Valley, CA; nieces, Theresa Berger and husband Dan, Arlene Krause and husband Broc, Christine Daves and husband Brian, nephew, Eugene Scott Finney; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
There will be no services at this time. A celebration of life and scattering of ashes will be planned when family and friends can gather together in Gloucester. An update will be made public.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's name to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116.
Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
