James Patrick McNally III, age 76, of Newville, passed away on May 5th, 2024, after a courageous and long battle with Cancer. Born on August 24,1947, a son of the late James Patrick McNally Jr. and Laverne (Lipp) McNally of Pittsburgh.  James was the oldest of 16 children. James was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

    James grew up on Mt. Troy, Pittsburgh Pa, where he attended North Catholic High School. After graduating, he pursued his passion for art at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, in 1968 earning his degree in Graphic Design. James was a Veteran that enlisted in the Army and served as a photojournalist in Vietnam from 1968-1971, where he directed the 53rd Signal Corp’s photographic operations for II Field Force, as well as photographing art for the National Museum in Siagon.  Following his service, James attended Kutztown University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Painting, in 1974. James then went on to study painting at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, where he was granted a fellowship and graduated with a Masters of Fine Art in 1976.  During this time, James also studied Fine Art Conservation and Art History.  While at Pratt, James was able to gain experience as an instructor. He developed a painting program for gifted children in the Bronx, and designed a fine arts program for New Jerseys Fine Art Magnet Schools that naturally led him to complete his teacher certification from Kean College, in Union NJ, in 1977. As a new teacher, James taught fine art at Frank H. Morrell High School in Irvington, NJ. before heading back to Pittsburgh to become an instructor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.  In 1982, James joined the photographic team at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. and was a photographer/supervisor until 2001, when he became a multimedia specialist/supervisor, followed by a visual information manager. James was proud to serve the Army for so many years.  Before retiring, James was a Curator of Art at the United States Army Heritage Center, Army Heritage Museum, where he worked on many projects telling the stories of the American soldiers. He was honored to serve as an art advisor to the Commandant, the Secretary of the Army, and to the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army for art in the Pentagon.  He was known for his dedication and excellence in his professional career, where he made lasting contributions and built strong relationships with his colleagues.

    James is survived by his loving wife, Taygety T. (Julias) McNally, his son: Shaun McNally and his wife Susan, his daughter: Jennifer (McNally) Wolfe and her husband Lukas, his grandchildren: Shem Wolfe, Sage Wolfe, Rhea McNally, Raeleen McNally, and Micah Wolfe.  He was preceded in death by his brother: Charles McNally, brother: Micheal McNally, brother Patrick McNally, and sister Laverne (McNally) Tumelty. He is survived by his sister: Kathleen (McNally) Gillespie, brother: John McNally, sister Maureen McNally, brother: Joseph McNally, brother: Timothy McNally, sister: Mary (McNally) McNeil, sister: Sharon (McNally) Carlin, sister: Eileen (McNally) Smith, sister: Colleen (McNally) Woodrow, sister: Carol (McNally) McCann, and brother David McNally. Along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews that adored him as well. 

     James was a gifted artist, known for his work as a painter, photographer and wood carver.  He loved creating landscape paintings of our local area of Pennsylvania. He enjoyed participating in local painting and woodcarving groups.  He had a love for books, history and antiques. James was always sketching and planning his next projects and ideas.  He always had a way of seeing the beauty in every situation. James enjoyed spending his free time creating art with his wife Ty and loved visiting with his grandchildren. James was a gifted storyteller and many friends enjoyed his colorful stories about life. His storytelling brought joy and inspiration to many, making every gathering special.

    Some of his favorite spots to visit were always art museums, book stores, Bedford Antiques, Lutz’s Antiques, and the Hamilton. 

    James was deeply committed to his community. He volunteered with The Newville Lions Club, the Newville Historical Society, the Newville VFW, and the Newville Planning Commission for many years, always trying to help make a difference. His dedication to service was a testament to his giving nature.

    A memorial of James' life will be held on May 31st, 2024, 1-3 pm  at the Tree of Life Church, 50 K Street, Carlisle, Pa.  All friends and family are invited to share good memories and stories in honor of the greatest storyteller in our lives. Please come share light refreshments and good company.       

    James McNally will be dearly missed but always remembered for his blue eyes, warm smile, artistic talent, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy of love, kindness, and storytelling will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.