James P. Touhey

James Patrick Touhey, 87, of Staten Island, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 8th -- a devoted husband, father, grandfather and honorable U.S. military veteran. Jim was born on September 25, 1938 in Bronx, New York, one of five children and the older son to the late James and Beatrice (McDermott) Touhey, who both emigrated from County Mayo, Ireland, in the 1920's. Jim attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School in the Bronx and graduated from Dodge Vocational High School in 1957. His high school yearbook noted, ''This handsome young lad wishes to become a policeman.'' That wish came true as Jim became one of New York's finest and joined the New York City Police Department in the fall of 1961-- but only after first honorably serving his country for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jim was a rookie police officer when he met a girl from Brooklyn named Eileen Kelly at a neighborhood dance in Queens. Regardless of the fact that Eileen was known to have two left feet and was not the best dancer, Jim was immediately smitten. They married on October 17, 1964, at Holy Name Church in Brooklyn and honeymooned in Niagara Falls. Their first acquisition as a married couple was a window air conditioner. Jim said it was a life-changing purchase and the fact that his new bride approved it without debate cemented the fact that she, indeed, was the right girl for him. They remained faithfully married for 58 years. In 1966 the couple welcomed their older son Jimmy into the world, followed by their son Patrick in 1968. Within a few years, they outgrew their tiny home in Sheepshead Bay and crossed the Verrazano Bridge to Staten Island where they settled in Great Kills and joined St. Clare Church. It was in that home that they would live out the rest of their years. Jim kept the front lawn meticulously maintained, and their heated sidewalk and driveway, installed by their son Patrick, was the envy of the neighborhood. A two-story, illuminated flagpole in the front yard flew Old Glory 24-hours-a-day and was a great source of pride. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree from New York Institute of Technology while working the graveyard shift as a patrolman for the NYPD. He advanced in the police department to the rank of Sergeant in 1982 and, a few years later, became a Lieutenant, a rank he held until his retirement after a career that spanned almost 3 decades. Jim took great pride in the fact that he never had to fire his department-issued pistol in the line of duty--a testament to his ability to deescalate tense situations. Healthy living was a big part of Jim's life. Along with weight training, he started jogging in the 1970's, was eating steamed vegetables long before it was a thing, and well into his mid-80's, was still doing daily push-ups and sit-ups. His son, Jimmy, referred to his Dad as a modern-day Jack LaLanne. An avid golfer, Jim also enjoyed bowling and, for 25 years, was a member of the Senior Men's League on Staten Island. He was bowling up until just a few months before his passing. Over the years, Jim volunteered for a variety of causes, including Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the Emerald Society, the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. After retiring, Jim and Eileen enjoyed traveling across the United States and traveled abroad, visiting Italy, Spain, Greece and Ireland. Jim was immensely proud of his Irish heritage, applied for dual citizenship and became an Irish citizen in his later years, complete with an Irish passport. Jim is survived by his son Jimmy of Philadelphia and his son, Patrick and daughter-in-law, Kim, of Staten Island, as well as by his three treasured grandchildren, Gavin, Elizabeth and Jack. He is predeceased by Eileen, his wife of 58 years, and by his siblings, Anna, Peggy, Jeannie and Michael. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 17, at 9:45 at St. Clare Church, 110 Nelson Aveue, SINY 10308. A burial with military honors will take place at Long Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jims memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

James P. Touhey

September 25, 1938 - July 8, 2026