James A. Grattan

James Alex Grattan, 77, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, and recently of Dover, New Hampshire, passed away on January 29, 2026. After a long journey of declining health, Jamie is finally at peace.

Jamie was born on February 17, 1948 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Jerome Grattan and Lucille (Zak) Grattan. He grew up in the rural section of East Brunswick, where he played with friends, rode bikes in the “gully,” and skipped stones and fished on nearby ponds. A devoted son and big brother, he learned many of his foundational skills as a Boy Scout and made lifelong memories there. He loved playing baseball, from Little League through college. And his paper route was a source of great pride.

Jamie graduated from East Brunswick High School in 1966 and attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he studied chemistry and graduated magna cum laude in 1970. He then earned his PhD in organic chemistry from MIT in 1974.

He proudly served in the Army Reserves from 1970 to 1979, completing three years of ROTC and six years of active reserve service. Jamie worked at Union Carbide and went on to spend many years conducting cancer research with Bristol Myers Squibb. His career later expanded into medical writing, and he worked in that role at Johnson & Johnson until his retirement.

Jamie spent the last six years as a resident of Watson Fields assisted living in Dover, New Hampshire. The staff and care team at Watson are all incredible and deserve our heartfelt gratitude. Angels, every one of them. He was also blessed to have the unwavering care of his devoted daughter, Noelle, whose love meant everything to him.

When Jamie loved something, he dove in deep and delighted in talking about it endlessly. His obsessions included the NY Yankees, golf, the stock market, and rock and roll guitar players.

He was a loving father to his two daughters, Noelle Grattan and Lauren (Grattan) Whelan. He was incredibly proud of his “gold medal daughters” and loved them with his whole heart. He was also the cherished grandfather of four wonderful granddaughters: Quinn, Greta, Summer and Liza.

Jamie was a helper at his core. Whether putting money into an unhoused person’s cup or stopping to jump-start a car on the side of the road, helping strangers in need was always his way. He noticed people, took his time, and gave generously of himself. He was smart, funny, kind, and deeply thoughtful.

His dogs were his pride and joy. Jamie loved being a “dog dad” and rarely went anywhere without them. He also enjoyed an ice cold beverage, snacks of all varieties, an evening cocktail, and a great punch line. He is remembered for his bear hugs, late arrivals, constant whistling, and a good joke. He loved sunny days in his red Saab convertible with music blaring. He will be sadly missed.

Jamie was predeceased by his brother Ron and his beloved nephew Brian Montes. He is survived by: his daughters Noelle Grattan and her husband Adam Butler, and Lauren and her husband John Whelan; his loving siblings Dave Grattan and his wife Elzbieta, Tim Grattan and his wife Alexandra, Nancy Grattan Parisi, and Bernadine “Deenie” (Grattan) Eisler and her husband Frank. He is also lovingly remembered by his former wife, Charlene (Wilkins) Grattan, his four granddaughters, two nieces, and two nephews.

Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, February 5th at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, NY. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 6th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Southold, NY, followed by burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the American Red Cross (redcross.org), honoring the good Samaritan that he was. In the words of the American Red Cross, “Sleeves up. Hearts open. All in.”

Messages of Sympathy

Sending hugs and love to your families. Enjoy laughs and memories of Jamie/Dad/Grandpa and hold each other close. <3

by Tara Echeverry
2026-02-02 12:37:07 PM

A beautiful tribute to Jamie 💜 Noelle, Lauren and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad’s kindness, joyful spirit and warmth touched so many lives, and that will never be forgotten. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to you all during this very difficult time x

by Sinéad Tyrrell
2026-02-02 12:51:32 PM

Sending my love and sympathy to you all. He was such a fixture in my life for so many years as a kid and he loved his family fiercely. He made me feel included and a part of your family, as you all did. I am so sorry for your loss. ❤️

by Kara Trzcinski
2026-02-02 1:30:20 PM

Deepest sympathy to Lauren, Noelle and family. May Jamie’s gentle soul rest in peace.

by Renee Tyrrell
2026-02-02 2:04:41 PM

I send James family my warmest regards. As one of the aides at Watson Feilds, I will miss him dearly! James was such a friendly guy with a warm smile and endearing handshake. I am going to miss going into his room and greeting him every day. I definatly will never forget his eye rolls when I would share that I was a Red Sox fan (because he was a yankees fan).I extend my deepest sympathies to his daughters,grandchildren,family and friends. He is going to be missed! Love ya James!◇

by Chelsey Lane
2026-02-02 4:15:39 PM