NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (July 7, 2026) – Jimmy Dugan, a popular and beloved member of ILA Local 1242 in the Port of Philadelphia, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at age 80. A 59-year veteran of the ILA, Jimmy Dugan carved an impressive career in the ILA and was a recognizable presence at ILA Conventions, Wage Scale Meetings, known for his big smile and generous nature to all ILA members and their families up and down the Atlantic and Gulf Coast. He would greet you with a warm “Hello Brother!”
“Jimmy Dugan was a true union man and outstanding ILA officer in the Port of Philadelphia,” said International President Harold J. Daggett. “He was a man of great principle and possessed a fierce determination to protect and defend his fellow ILA members.”
His official obituary: James E. Dugan, Jr. “Jesse”, age 80, of Philadelphia, passed away on Sunday July 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jim grew up in the Flat Iron neighborhood. He was a proud alumnus of Northeast Catholic High School where he lettered in baseball and football. A graduate of the class of 1963, he was inducted into the Northeast Catholic Hall of Fame in 2007 for his achievements in business.
After graduation, Jim enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corp and proudly served his country from ’63 until ’67. Upon returning home from his time in the service, Jim went to work on the Philadelphia waterfront. A longshoreman for 59 years, He started as a checker then moved to dock boss. He eventually became the secretary-treasurer for the ILA Local #1242 before his retirement on July 1st.
His love of sports and competition kept him active throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the softball team at the B&B Bar on Gaul St. As the years went by, he took up Golf to feed his love of competition. He had a regular group that he would play with at Avalon Country Club.
Jim also had a dedication to his heritage and loved Irish music and was a devoted fan to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame University. His love of sports also drew him to coach his children’s teams at Parkwood Youth Organization. If he wasn’t coaching, he was driving them to a practice or a game. Some of the family’s most cherished times were vacations to the Jersey shore. Those closest to him knew him as a gentle man, but he was never afraid to engage in a “spirited conversation” about a topic of your choosing. Beloved husband of 56 years to Mary (nee Voneki).
Cherished father of James (Cathy), Mary (Larry) Hammond, and Kathleen (Steven) Thomas. Devoted grandfather of Katie (Marc), James, Anthony, Ryan, Casey and Luke. Dear brother of William (Cathy) Dugan.
Relatives, friends and members of the ILA Local #1242 are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday eve. July 9, 2026, from 5 PM until 8 PM at the T.J. Fluehr Funeral Home, 11010 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. An additional viewing will be held on Friday, July 10. 2026 from 9:45 AM until 10:45 AM at St. Anslem Church, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Rite of Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem. Donations in Jim’s name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. To share a memory of Jesse, please visit www.tjfluehr.com Florists, all deliveries must be made to the funeral home on Thursday by 2 PM.