James P. O'Rourke

James P. O’Rourke, age 88, of Islandia, New York, passed away on July 21, 2026, with his loving family at his side. Born on April 13, 1938, in Brooklyn, James was raised, along with his brother Harry, by their Aunt Loretta.
James went to Chelsea Vocational High School and is affectionately remembered for teaching his grandchildren the Chelsea Fight Song. James married his high school sweetheart, Mary Rooney, in 1957. After serving in the U.S. Air Force in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, James and Mary returned to Ridgewood, Queens, to start a family together. James and his family moved out to Long Island in 1965, and in 1967 James became a New York City firefighter.

 In the mid-’70s, James survived a nearly fatal injury in his career as a firefighter, but his service and the life of a firefighter never left him. He truly loved being a member of the FDNY, Engine 58 (The Fire Factory).
James continued to his next chapter as a salesman for several developers on Long Island, including Westwood Builders, Campo Brothers, and Beechwood Homes. During his years working with builders, James would always find a spot for family members to earn a little extra through good old-fashioned labor.

One of James’ true joys had always been music, whether it be Johnny Cash or Irish music. Outside of work, James enjoyed singing with the Hibernian Singers, who accompanied Andy Cooney in Carnegie Hall.

One of his other interests was SCARF (Suffolk County Association of Retired Firefighters), where he and his longtime friend, FDNY Capt. Eugene O’Shea, Ret., were active members. Here they would share many stories, like the days around the firehouse kitchen table.

James is preceded in death by his son James, his brother Harry, and his grandson Patrick.
James is survived by his wife, Mary, of 69 years; his children, Colleen (Frank), Shaun (Amy), and Cathleen; and his grandchildren, Kelly (Ryan), Ryan (Courtenay), James, Cassidy, and Seamus along with his great grandchildren Finnegan and Maeve.
James will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his family and extended family, who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the NY Firefighters Burn Center, MPS Society or Good Shepherd Hospice.