Finding a place that actually feels like home when you’re dealing with the worst week of your life isn't easy. In Southampton, Pennsylvania, people usually end up at the corner of 2nd Street Pike and Belmont Avenue. Specifically, the James J McGhee Funeral Home.
It’s an old building with a lot of weight to it. If you’ve lived in Bucks County for more than a few years, you’ve probably walked through those doors for a viewing or a "Life Celebration." It’s basically a local institution at this point.
Why James J McGhee Funeral Home Still Matters in Southampton
Honestly, the story of this place is kind of a classic American dream tale, but with a somber twist. James J. McGhee Jr. started the business back in 1965. He didn't just pick a random plot of land; the building itself was actually the former rectory for Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.
Think about that for a second. A house that used to be full of priests and parish business became a place for families to say goodbye. It’s got that heavy, historic vibe that you just don't get with modern, cookie-cutter funeral parlors.
Jim McGhee was a World War II vet. He served in the 304th Signal Operation Battalion and then came home to study at the Eckels College of Mortuary Science. He and his wife Isabelle ran the place for decades. It was a true family affair. Sadly, the family has seen its share of grief too. James J. McGhee Jr. passed away in 2011, and his son John—who was a second-generation director—died suddenly just months later.
The Shift to McGhee-Givnish Life Celebrations
You might notice the sign says McGhee-Givnish now. That’s a big deal for locals who wonder if the personal touch is still there.
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Basically, the funeral home joined the Givnish family of funeral homes. If you're from around here, you know the Givnish name is everywhere in Philly and the suburbs. While some people worry about "big business" taking over local shops, this partnership was more about keeping the lights on and updating how they do things.
They moved away from the old-school, stiff "funeral" vibe and toward what they call Life Celebrations.
What does that actually mean?
- It’s less about a casket in a dark room.
- It’s more about digital slideshows and personal memorabilia.
- They focus on the "story" of the person who passed.
- The staff (including guys like Joseph Pendergast and others listed in recent 2026 records) tries to make it feel like a tribute rather than a tragedy.
Navigating the Practical Stuff at 690 Belmont Ave
Let’s be real: if you’re looking up the James J McGhee Funeral Home, you’re probably looking for an obituary or trying to figure out where to park.
The address is 690 Belmont Avenue, Southampton, PA 18966. It sits right near the intersection with 2nd Street Pike. Parking can be a bit of a squeeze during a large viewing, so most people end up lining the side streets.
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If you are looking for a specific obituary, their website (now integrated with the Givnish "Life Celebration" portal) is the best bet. They keep a pretty active archive. In early 2026, you'll see names like Joseph J. Pendergast and Walter "Wally" Stuart Grummun in their recent services.
Pro Tip: If you're sending flowers, most local florists in Southampton and Warminster know exactly where the delivery entrance is. You don't need to overthink the logistics—they do this every day.
The Cost Factor and Reputation
Nobody likes talking about money when they're grieving, but it's a huge factor. According to local consumer reports and price comparisons, the McGhee-Givnish location typically lands right around the average or slightly below for the Delaware Valley.
They offer everything from:
- Direct Cremation: For those who want something simple and private.
- Traditional Burials: Complete with the hearse and the procession to places like St. John Neumann Cemetery or Resurrection Cemetery.
- Military Honors: Because of Jim McGhee's own service, they are particularly good at coordinating with the VA for honors at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
The reviews are generally solid. People mention the "pleasantness of the staff" a lot. When you're in that "grief fog," having someone who is patient and doesn't push the most expensive mahogany casket on you makes a massive difference.
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Dealing with Modern Grief
The funeral industry has changed. Back in 1965, a funeral was a very specific, rigid event. Today, at the James J McGhee Funeral Home, they’ve had to adapt. You see more non-religious services now. You see people wanting to play classic rock instead of hymns.
They’ve leaned into the "Life Celebration" brand because that’s what people want in 2026. They want to remember the person who loved gardening or the guy who was obsessed with the Eagles.
It’s about the legacy.
Actionable Steps for Families
If you are currently in the position of needing to plan a service or just want to get your ducks in a row, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Obituary First: If you're a guest, go to the official McGhee-Givnish website to confirm the "Calling Hours." Don't just rely on a Facebook post; times change.
- Ask About Pre-Planning: This sounds morbid, but the McGhee family was big on this. It locks in today's prices and saves your kids from guessing if you wanted a "Life Celebration" or a traditional Mass.
- Coordinate the Details: If the deceased was a veteran, have their DD-214 form ready. The staff at McGhee-Givnish are pros at the military paperwork, but they need that form to start the process for a flag or a ceremony.
- Local Support: Use the local florists. They have a relationship with the home and ensure the arrangements are there before the family arrives for the private viewing.
The James J McGhee Funeral Home isn't just a business. For Southampton, it's a piece of the neighborhood's DNA. Whether you knew the original Jim McGhee or you're just meeting the new directors today, the goal remains the same: getting through a hard day with a little bit of dignity.
Key Contact Information
- Phone: 215-355-0902
- Location: 690 Belmont Ave, Southampton, PA
- Specialty: Veteran services and personalized Life Celebrations.
To handle an immediate need, your best move is to call them directly rather than waiting for an email reply. If you are looking for a past obituary from the McGhee family era, their online tribute wall is the most complete record available for the Southampton area.