James “Jim” Michael McGinley, was born September 27, 1936 to John and Ann (McNulty) McGinley, immigrants from County Donegal, Ireland. He was the third child of eight children – Jack, Nano, Jim, Joe, Chuck, Rosie, Mike, and Dan. His parents instilled the values of family, Catholic faith, and Irish heritage in all of the McGinley children. Jim grew up on the near-Eastside of Indianapolis in a predominantly large American-Irish community. Jim walked up the street to Saint Philip Neri grade school. He attended Cathedral High School, graduating in the class of ’54. Shortly after, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves and served our country proudly. Upon returning, he graduated from Chicago’s LaSalle University with an Accounting Degree in 1961. Jim took much pride in being a Certified Public Accountant for nearly 50 years. He also took great pride in leading the Irish community. This included being a four-time Ancient Order of Hibernians President, six-time A.O.H. Saint Patrick’s Chairman and unanimously elected as the Mayor of the Eastside Irish. Jim volunteered as cadet head football coach at St. Philip Neri and Little Flower. In 1970, he was honored for his service to CYO with the Msgr. Busald Award. Additionally in 2013, Jim was admitted to the St. Philip Neri Hall of Fame for his years of service and dedication to his Alma mater.
What Jim was best known for was his involvement in the family business. On March 1, 1934, his parents opened McGinleys’ Golden Ace Inn. After the passing of his parents, he and his surviving siblings inherited the Ace. The three values his parents instilled in him of family, Catholic faith, and Irish heritage still remain to this day. The Ace has become the Mecca for the Irish community, a true public house. Jim was dedicated to having world renown Irish musicians perform and visitors from Ireland, especially those from his parents’ county, Donegal. Most importantly to Jim was that the Ace kept his large, tight-knit family (and extended family) together.
On September 1, 1969, Jim married the love of his life, Mary Ann Stapleton, at Our Lady of Lourdes. They had two children, Eileen McGinley (Jim) Ford , and James (Allison) McGinley. They established their family on the far-Eastside at Holy Spirit Parish. In 1988, Mary Ann passed away leaving Jim heartbroken. However, he persevered and was dedicated to taking care of the Ace, his accounting business, and raising two teenagers.
Jim’s favorite title was “Grandpa”. He was blessed with four beautiful granddaughters who brought out a side of him that hadn’t been seen since his wife passed away – Mary Ann Roselyn (25), Frances Clare (16), Breda Kate (14), and Caroline Cathleen (8).
As Christmas neared, he told his children that his life was much like the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. He continued on the family business, married the love of his life, had a family who adored him and an entire community who loved and supported him. He never planned his life the way it happened, but he was really happy with it. Jim spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day surrounded by family and friends. laughing, smiling, and listening to his granddaughters sing, while having a few beers. A few days later, on December 29, 2025, Jim peacefully passed away at 89 years old.
Jim was correct…he truly had a wonderful life.
All services are at Holy Spirit Catholic Church
7243 E 10th Street
Showing: January 2nd 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Funeral: January 3rd 11:00 am