[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 73 (Monday, May 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E592-E593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE OF SERGEANT JAMES ``JIM'' VINCENT McGRAIL, IV

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2018

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of 
James ``Jim'' Vincent McGrail, IV. We lost Jim on April 29, 2018, one 
day shy of his 64th birthday. Jim lived in

[[Page E593]]

the Bay Area his entire life, and he worked tirelessly to serve his 
community.
  Jim grew up in San Lorenzo, California, and he attended San Lorenzo 
High School. Following graduation, Jim began serving his community with 
the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. In 1976, Jim became a deputy 
sheriff and spent 14 years protecting and serving our community.
  During his time with the Sheriff's Office, he was promoted to 
sergeant and was assigned to the Santa Rita Jail, Regional Training 
Center, the Eden Township Substation Patrol and the Detective Division.
  While Jim successfully investigated multiple homicide cases during 
his tenure with the Sheriff's Office, he also was busy furthering his 
own education. Jim earned a bachelor's degree from the University of 
San Francisco and a law degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Law. 
Upon passing the California Bar, Jim left law enforcement to pursue a 
career as a prosecutor with the Alameda County District Attorney's 
Office. He served as a prosecutor for two years before opening his own 
law practice in Livermore, California.
  Even after moving to private law practice, Jim continued to give back 
to his community through his work on the Alameda County Fair Board, 
Livermore Rodeo Foundation Board, as the Vice President of Zone 7 Water 
Agency, and at his family winery, McGrail Vineyards. When four Oakland 
police officers were killed in 2009, Jim named his most popular wine 
after them and donated proceeds from every sale in their honor.
  Throughout his career Jim was dedicated to serving Alameda County. I 
am grateful to have known Jim, and his legacy of kindness and service 
is survived by his wife Ginger, his daughters, Heather and Shannon, and 
his son, Alameda County Sheriff's Office Captain James McGrail. My 
thoughts and prayers are with his family, and he will forever be 
remembered for his invaluable contributions to our community.

                          ____________________