Longtime Babylon resident and 48-year fire department member James Alexander McGuire died July 2, 2008 of complications of kidney cancer. He was 78 and had lived in Babylon for 55 years. He was born in Southampton Hospital on September 16, 1929 to Edward F. and Nora (nee Durkan) and later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was raised in East Hampton,

where his mother's family was known as the "Round Swamp Lesters" and worked as a surveyor with the Hendrickson Brothers in Babylon, Angus McGuarrie and William Simmons III.

He was a voracious reader, loved to play golf and was very handy around the house according to his wife of 54 years, Carney J.

As a volunteer with the fire department, he served as a firefighter and with the rescue company, and was involved in both the planning and building of the Conklin House barn in Babylon Village.

In addition to his wife, Mr. McGuire also leaves behind his daughters: Robin Dubin and Maureen Tilschner of Chicago, Illinois and Carney of Albany, New York. His siblings, Kathryn McGuirk of East Hampton and Frank McGuirk, Jr. of Melbourne, Florida, and his grandsons, Taylor and Ryan Boyd also survive him.

He reposed at the Boyd Spencer Funeral Home in Babylon, July 7, 2008. Religious Services were held at St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Babylon, followed by interment in National Cemetery at Calverton.

Donations in Mr. McGuire's name can be sent to the Northport Medical Center, 79 Middleville Road, Northport, New York 11768.