James P. Dorsey

James P. Dorsey of Croton on Hudson, N.Y., passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, at his home. He was 62.

Son of the late Edwin T. and Nancy J. (nee Fagan) LeStrange, he was born in Manhattan and grew up in the Bronx. James had also resided in Yonkers and Pomona, N.Y., before moving to his home he loved on the Hudson River.

James graduated from the Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. He began his very long and rewarding career with McDonald’s as a young man attending and graduating from many Executive Study Programs through McDonald’s Corporation.

Jim joined McDonald’s in 1973 at age 14, as a part-time crew person in the 236th St McDonald’s in the Bronx. He worked hard and rose through the ranks, becoming a store manager in 1981 and at 22, and was one of the youngest managers in the company. He was an inspiration for many and helped to open many McDonald’s for the Colley McCoy Company.

He won the prestigious Outstanding Store Manager Award three times. In 1988, Jim became an area supervisor for the southern New York stores. In 1994, Bruce became a Mc franchisee and Jim joined him to become his Director of operations. Jim helped to grow the company from five restaurants to over 40. In 2007 because of Jim’s dedication and hard work, Jim became a “key” employee and partner in the McDonald’s franchises.

Jim was passionate about McDonald’s, and McDonald’s was his family. His inspiration, his enthusiasm, and positive can-do attitude were contagious, because he insisted on it. He was totally selfless, and always made time to help someone in need, or to teach them how to do something correctly. There are many managers and supervisors that owe their success to Jim and his mentoring. He was a perfectionist, but always striving to be better and to learn by reading and watching videos on management, especially time management.

The only vacation he ever took from the business was to enjoy his Yankees. He had a passion for helping others, and especially cared about helping children. His kind spirit will be greatly missed.

He did not mince words. He was demanding. But he had a wonderful sarcastic, ironic sense of humor and a great laugh. He was of another world, another time. His word meant everything and he was honest beyond question. “Jamie,” as his family affectionately called him, was an incredible Brother, always watching out for his siblings.

James is survived by his sisters, Nancy P. LeStrange and Lorraine A. and her husband, Louis Read, Sr. all of Newton, N.J.; brothers, Robert Dorsey of Sacramento, Calif., and Edward T. and his wife, Gina LeStrange, of Stony Point, N.Y.; nephews, Edward LeStrange of Vernon, N.J., and Brendon Read of Newton; his long-time best friend, JoAnn Schiefer of Wallkill, N.Y.,; and long-time business partner and friend, Bruce Colley; his Godson, Michael Pierro; as well as his several cousins, many friends, and co-workers.

Visitation was private and held at the convenience of his family. A Funeral Mass of Christian burial was held Oct. 22 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Newton. Private cremation services followed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made ito Ronald McDonald House Charities (rmhc.org).

Arrangements were made by Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home, Newton.