James F. McNally

"Well Smith, it's time to start thinking about packing up", mom would say as we wound down our many family adventures.

James F. McNally, affectionately known as Smith, packed it up one last time on March 7,2026. His adventure on Earth ended peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

James was born on November 29, 1946 and raised in Lowell, MA and was a graduate of Saint Anselm College. He went on to teach in the Lowell School District until he married his best friend, Jane Curtze. They moved to Erie in 1983, where he became part-owner of Lake Erie Electric throughout the 1980s. He later retired after many years of employment at the Erie Sports Store, in the hunting and fishing department.

Jim was a kind, gentle soul with endless talent, wit and wisdom. He was an avid gardener. He shared a passion for birdwatching and nature photography with his wife. A miniatures and model car hobbyist with incredible attention to micro detail in his work. Jim maintained beautiful freshwater aquariums in his earlier years. He enjoyed hunting and teaching his children and grandchildren to catch fish. He was a collector of all sorts and especially of NASCAR, Rat Fink, and Elvis memorabilia, sharing those things that were dear to him with the people he loved. Many of us hold a special memory of going down to his workshop to see his latest project, or to pick out a toy car or trinket, especially his grandsons. He loved his family more than anything in the whole wide world and touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, James M. and Virginia (Taylor) McNally and his beloved little dog, Rocky.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jane (Curtze) McNally; son Steven McNally and his wife Jessica, and a daughter, Melissa J. McNally, all of Erie. He is the brother of Virginia Courtnay and her husband David of Dracut, MA and is the proud grandfather of Dylan McNally, James McNally, Corey Carolus, and Mickey McNally. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services Inc., Downtown, 602 W.10th St. on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 2:00 pm until time of Funeral Services at 5:00 pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ANNA Shlter, 1555 E.10th St., Erie, PA 16511 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com