Parents James and Elizabeth proudly welcomed a Son to the world when he was born at the family home in Anderson Street, Kinning Park on the 16th July 1928 and they were to name him James Thom McPhail.
Young James would join his older Sister Mary and older brother Kenneth at home before the arrivals of younger siblings Beth, Boyd and Barbara who would complete the McPhail family upon her arrival.
In his youth, James and the family would move to Possilpark, where their Friday evening's entertainment was standing outside the pub to get a good laugh at the woman pulling their men out who had forgot to head home after work.
Life for most families was difficult back then, but never once young James and his siblings go without, his Mum and Dad always made sure there was a meal on the table for them all.
James would attend the nearby Possilpark Primary, and at this time he picked up work delivering rolls and milk to help bring finances into the family home, developing his hard work ethics from an early age.
It was doing this that he would pick up the nickname 'Speedy' as he was as fast as lightening running from door to door on his rounds.
James was a clever lad at school, so much so that the head teacher from Possilpark Senior Secondary once called his parents to recommend he attend North Kelvinside Academy in preparation for University. James being the family man that he was wanted to earn his keep and so left school at the age of 14 and found work as a 'Paige Boy' in Greens Playhouse on Renfield Street in the City, where he would top up the American soldiers glasses and provide them with cigarettes whenever they ran low.
From here he spent some time working in the shunting yards before successfully earning himself an apprenticeship with 'Scottish Wore Rope' in Bishopbriggs where he would work for the remainder of his working life.
During his apprenticeship James was called upon by his country to do his National Service and on completion of his initial training in Richmond in England, he was sent to join the 'Royal Mechanical Engineers' serving in places such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Kure Harbour in Japan.
On completion of his two years' service, James returned to the Wire Rope to complete his apprenticeship.
Once qualified, James took up the opportunity of work in Canada, however after 3 short months in Montreal he became homesick and so headed home to Possilpark and to his job at the Wire Rope, who in time would amalgamate with 'Martin Blacks' from Coatbridge.
Well by now James enjoyed nothing more than a pint at the weekends with his mates and one night whilst at the pub, his life would change forever when he caught sight of one of the barmaids at the 'Glen Afton bar'.
She went by the name of Margaret McQuillan, but sadly James never did get to speak to her that night.
Now some say it was by chance that James would bump into her again when she worked in the 'The Glen' bar in Auchinairn, others however would say he was stocking her to a certain degree.
Well that evening, James's friend invited Margaret back to a party after her shift to which she happily agreed to go along to. It was here that Margaret showed off her wonderful singing voice by belting out the classic 'Mr. Wonderful' by Peggy Lee and at that moment in time, James McPhail fell in love.
He quickly wrapped his arms around Margaret and sat her on his knee……and well the rest was history as they say.
From that moment, James knew this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and so it didn't take long for him to ask Margaret for her hand in marriage.
On the 20th March 1959, family and friends gathered at 'Henry Drummond Parish Church' to witness them both take their vows with great sincerity as they would go on to spend the next 61 years together as Husband and Wife.
The newlyweds would set up home in McAslin Street in Townhead, and the following year family life was to begin for them when they proudly welcomed their daughter Barbara to the world in 1960.
Just a few short weeks later, the now family of three were on the move to Kirkintilloch, setting up home in Friar's croft in the town, a wonderful community to raise a young family. It was just as well it was as that family was soon to extend upon the arrival of Son Kenneth in 1961.
Barbara and Kenneth's early memories of Dad at this time were that he was always working, taking on extra shifts to provide the best he could for his young family. They actually dreaded the days Dad got a day off as you could bet your bottom dollar he would have you up at the crack of dawn by his slamming of doors and his all-round noisy behaviour around the house.
James's motto in life was "Up in the Morning's the game".
James treasured family time, particularly when he could get time off work at the fare fortnight, treating the kids to holidays in Girvan and Millport, where he watched on with great pride at young Barbara and Kenneth running along the beaches having a ball.
Back home in Kirkintilloch, the McPhail's were on the move in 1967, setting up home round the corner on Lammermoor Road, the home that James would spend the rest of his life. Kenneth recalls that day vividly; there he was walking down the hill from school only to notice the family couch sitting outside the house wandering what on earth was going on.
It would appear that Mum and Dad forgot to mention that they were moving house that day.
This house would host many a wonderful nights with family and friends over the years, nights that would go on till the wee small hours where Margaret got to show off that wonderful singing voice of hers and James chipped with a few classics too, he was a fair chanter himself.
Other nights James and Margaret enjoyed over the years were with the Cumbernauld Crew, good friends and neighbours James's younger Sister Barbara and brother Boyd who lived in Kildrum at the time, many of whom they themselves became close friends with over the years.
Well some eleven years after young Kenneth's arrival in the world James and Margaret would see their family complete upon the birth of daughter Alison in 1972.
Alison would certainly grow to be a Daddy's girl, cherishing those weekends that they would spend together when Mum was at work. James would organise a picnic for them both and head for the Campsie Hills or sometimes further afield to the likes of Balmaha, singing all the way there and back in the car.
One song James always sang to young Alison was 'Ally's Tartan Army', a song that she believed was written for her by her Dad.
Little did she know Alistair McLeod was about to win the World Cup for Scotland out in Argentina……or so the song says anyway at least!
Weekends were also for heading through to Cumbernauld to visit Gran. James just adored his Ma, always speaking of her very fondly, and always appreciated the wonderful memories that she left him with.
1984 would see James head away from Kirkintilloch as he had been assigned to work in India of all places. Here he was tasked with installing all the machinery for the wire ropes before training staff in the safe operation of these machines.
James initially struggled with the lifestyle in India, he was more than happy to cut his own grass, polish his own shoes and cook his own meals, but such was the way of life here he had someone assigned to him to carry out all these tasks.
One thing that certainly came as a shock to James was the medical advice he received when he contracted Malaria. When asked by the Doctor if he smoked or liked a drink, James replied "No", only to be told that he should take it up to keep the Malaria at bay.
Maybe that's why we don't have Malaria in Scotland then, as were generally quite good at those two things!
Thankfully he had a bit of normality come his way when Margaret and young Alison came out here to spend the summer with him in '85, but what he didn't realise at this time was that he would be working away from home for the next ten years.
During this time he would also spend time working in Bangkok, where he soon adopted a wee dog and named him 'Jock McKay'…….he had to have someone Scottish by his side being away so long.
In 1994, James took his well-deserved retirement from work and returned home, but by now that family of his had extended, when daughter Barbara and Husband James proudly welcomed their Son Scott to the world in 1992.
James was now one very proud Papa.
Being retired and with Margaret working part-time, James was only too happy to watch little Scott whilst his Mum and Dad worked, infact Scott was there that often in the early days he was beginning to think that Margaret and James were his Mum and Dad.
That family of theirs was soon to extend when Barbara and James's second Son made his appearance in 1995 and he was to be named Ross.
Just a few short months later, family life was beginning for daughter Alison when she proudly welcomed her Son Conner to the world before her second Son Tony made his arrival in 1999.
James loved spending as much time with his precious Grandson's as he possibly could, even when he was pottering about in the garden you could guarantee they were by his side. One day Barbara's Sister in Law was looking out the window and there was James organising his four boys in a line before ordering them to march around the garden. Everything was all about fun with the boys.
Even watching the film 'Jungle Book', James would give each of the boys their character to play before he scared them all by pretending to be Sheer Khan himself.
The boys clung onto James's every word and it often became very competitive between the four of them as to who was really Papa's best pal.
He loved heading to St. Andrew's with the boys to his Sister Barbara and Brother Boyd's caravan that they so kindly leant to them. Every October School week he and Son in Law James would take the four boys to the Fife Coast for the week where they always had a ball, whilst making wonderful memories for the boys.
St. Andrew's was also a place that James liked the odd game of golf when he visited, a game that he never did manage to conquer over the years it has to be said.
Elgin was another place that he loved to play, that was when he and Margaret visited their Son Kenneth and his wife Shirley who lived here.
Kenneth remembers all too well playing golf with his Dad. This was the man who would look for his ball a few hundred yards down the fairway, causing Kenneth to be in fits of laughter as he pointed out to his Dad that it only went a few feet away from his original position.
One day James managed to get himself thrown off the 'Little Hill' course in Bishopbriggs as he was doing his rounds long before the Green keepers had even started their shifts…….as he liked to say "Up in the morning's the game"…….just not quite that early though James!
James loved his visits to Elgin, enjoying nothing more than a walk along Lossiemouth Beach before heading to the Ice-Cream shop, enjoying his cone whilst staring at the nearby Lossie bridge.
James really did have a tooth for all things sweet as Shirley soon found out when he cleared her of all the homemade tray bakes she had prepared in one sitting.
The visit's he enjoyed most however were post 2005 as this year saw the arrival of Kenneth and Shirley's Son Cameron, who topped off five wonderful Grandchildren for James and Margaret.
James took great delight in putting Cameron to bed at night when he was a baby, but he quickly let his Papa know that he didn't like his singing, he much preferred Nanna singing him to sleep.
In more recent years Cameron loved nothing more than his in-depth political discussions with his Papa, often leaving him surprised at how much he knew, especially when it came to American politics.
James loved all this sort of thing; he would happily sit for hours on end engrossed in a book learning something knew everyday. He also liked poetry, particularly the great works of our own famous poet Rabbie Burns.
Gardening was his great passion at home however and it wasn't uncommon to see him on a set of ladders attempting to cut the hedge, even at the fine old age of 91.
The past few years he was so thankful of the hand that Grandsons Scott and Ross would give him round the garden, he always did like to keep it immaculate it must be said.
If he ever did sit down for two minutes, then you could find James watching the football, either on the television or on his Ipad that the boys had set up for him.
Although James was a Rangers fan, he would happily sit and watch any match from all over the world, but no matter who was playing, "the referee needed to take a trip to Specsavers".
He loved his chats with his Grandsons Conner and Tony about the football when they came in to visit, and on the weekend he would give his analysis on the matches to Kenneth when he was on the phone, something Kenneth will miss dearly.
Family was everything to James, aslong as he had them in his life then he was one very content man. In more recent years, Alison has introduced her partner Thomas to the family, another welcomed addition by James and Margaret.
Sadly last year, heartache was to strike for James and the family, when his beloved Margaret passed away.
Just the year previous they were to receive their card from the Queen to congratulate them on 60 years of marriage and now James found that she was no longer by his side. This understandably changed James's outlook on life and this past year has not been the same for him without Margaret around.
Although days were difficult, he loved his daily visits from his lassies Barbara and Alison and he was so appreciative of all they done for him. Only a short time ago he informed one of the Nurses at the hospital that the 'two best nurses he knew, were his lassie's in Kirkintilloch'.
Having the four boys around all the time certainly lifted his spirits, he was so proud of each and every one of them and the young men they had turned out to be, as he was with young Cameron.
Although our hearts are heavy with James's passing, we should try and take comfort knowing that he is now where he wants to be, joined once again with his beautiful Margaret, where I'm sure they will be looking down so proudly on this wonderful legacy that their love for one another created.
Together may they now and forever rest in peace.
Young James would join his older Sister Mary and older brother Kenneth at home before the arrivals of younger siblings Beth, Boyd and Barbara who would complete the McPhail family upon her arrival.
In his youth, James and the family would move to Possilpark, where their Friday evening's entertainment was standing outside the pub to get a good laugh at the woman pulling their men out who had forgot to head home after work.
Life for most families was difficult back then, but never once young James and his siblings go without, his Mum and Dad always made sure there was a meal on the table for them all.
James would attend the nearby Possilpark Primary, and at this time he picked up work delivering rolls and milk to help bring finances into the family home, developing his hard work ethics from an early age.
It was doing this that he would pick up the nickname 'Speedy' as he was as fast as lightening running from door to door on his rounds.
James was a clever lad at school, so much so that the head teacher from Possilpark Senior Secondary once called his parents to recommend he attend North Kelvinside Academy in preparation for University. James being the family man that he was wanted to earn his keep and so left school at the age of 14 and found work as a 'Paige Boy' in Greens Playhouse on Renfield Street in the City, where he would top up the American soldiers glasses and provide them with cigarettes whenever they ran low.
From here he spent some time working in the shunting yards before successfully earning himself an apprenticeship with 'Scottish Wore Rope' in Bishopbriggs where he would work for the remainder of his working life.
During his apprenticeship James was called upon by his country to do his National Service and on completion of his initial training in Richmond in England, he was sent to join the 'Royal Mechanical Engineers' serving in places such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Kure Harbour in Japan.
On completion of his two years' service, James returned to the Wire Rope to complete his apprenticeship.
Once qualified, James took up the opportunity of work in Canada, however after 3 short months in Montreal he became homesick and so headed home to Possilpark and to his job at the Wire Rope, who in time would amalgamate with 'Martin Blacks' from Coatbridge.
Well by now James enjoyed nothing more than a pint at the weekends with his mates and one night whilst at the pub, his life would change forever when he caught sight of one of the barmaids at the 'Glen Afton bar'.
She went by the name of Margaret McQuillan, but sadly James never did get to speak to her that night.
Now some say it was by chance that James would bump into her again when she worked in the 'The Glen' bar in Auchinairn, others however would say he was stocking her to a certain degree.
Well that evening, James's friend invited Margaret back to a party after her shift to which she happily agreed to go along to. It was here that Margaret showed off her wonderful singing voice by belting out the classic 'Mr. Wonderful' by Peggy Lee and at that moment in time, James McPhail fell in love.
He quickly wrapped his arms around Margaret and sat her on his knee……and well the rest was history as they say.
From that moment, James knew this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and so it didn't take long for him to ask Margaret for her hand in marriage.
On the 20th March 1959, family and friends gathered at 'Henry Drummond Parish Church' to witness them both take their vows with great sincerity as they would go on to spend the next 61 years together as Husband and Wife.
The newlyweds would set up home in McAslin Street in Townhead, and the following year family life was to begin for them when they proudly welcomed their daughter Barbara to the world in 1960.
Just a few short weeks later, the now family of three were on the move to Kirkintilloch, setting up home in Friar's croft in the town, a wonderful community to raise a young family. It was just as well it was as that family was soon to extend upon the arrival of Son Kenneth in 1961.
Barbara and Kenneth's early memories of Dad at this time were that he was always working, taking on extra shifts to provide the best he could for his young family. They actually dreaded the days Dad got a day off as you could bet your bottom dollar he would have you up at the crack of dawn by his slamming of doors and his all-round noisy behaviour around the house.
James's motto in life was "Up in the Morning's the game".
James treasured family time, particularly when he could get time off work at the fare fortnight, treating the kids to holidays in Girvan and Millport, where he watched on with great pride at young Barbara and Kenneth running along the beaches having a ball.
Back home in Kirkintilloch, the McPhail's were on the move in 1967, setting up home round the corner on Lammermoor Road, the home that James would spend the rest of his life. Kenneth recalls that day vividly; there he was walking down the hill from school only to notice the family couch sitting outside the house wandering what on earth was going on.
It would appear that Mum and Dad forgot to mention that they were moving house that day.
This house would host many a wonderful nights with family and friends over the years, nights that would go on till the wee small hours where Margaret got to show off that wonderful singing voice of hers and James chipped with a few classics too, he was a fair chanter himself.
Other nights James and Margaret enjoyed over the years were with the Cumbernauld Crew, good friends and neighbours James's younger Sister Barbara and brother Boyd who lived in Kildrum at the time, many of whom they themselves became close friends with over the years.
Well some eleven years after young Kenneth's arrival in the world James and Margaret would see their family complete upon the birth of daughter Alison in 1972.
Alison would certainly grow to be a Daddy's girl, cherishing those weekends that they would spend together when Mum was at work. James would organise a picnic for them both and head for the Campsie Hills or sometimes further afield to the likes of Balmaha, singing all the way there and back in the car.
One song James always sang to young Alison was 'Ally's Tartan Army', a song that she believed was written for her by her Dad.
Little did she know Alistair McLeod was about to win the World Cup for Scotland out in Argentina……or so the song says anyway at least!
Weekends were also for heading through to Cumbernauld to visit Gran. James just adored his Ma, always speaking of her very fondly, and always appreciated the wonderful memories that she left him with.
1984 would see James head away from Kirkintilloch as he had been assigned to work in India of all places. Here he was tasked with installing all the machinery for the wire ropes before training staff in the safe operation of these machines.
James initially struggled with the lifestyle in India, he was more than happy to cut his own grass, polish his own shoes and cook his own meals, but such was the way of life here he had someone assigned to him to carry out all these tasks.
One thing that certainly came as a shock to James was the medical advice he received when he contracted Malaria. When asked by the Doctor if he smoked or liked a drink, James replied "No", only to be told that he should take it up to keep the Malaria at bay.
Maybe that's why we don't have Malaria in Scotland then, as were generally quite good at those two things!
Thankfully he had a bit of normality come his way when Margaret and young Alison came out here to spend the summer with him in '85, but what he didn't realise at this time was that he would be working away from home for the next ten years.
During this time he would also spend time working in Bangkok, where he soon adopted a wee dog and named him 'Jock McKay'…….he had to have someone Scottish by his side being away so long.
In 1994, James took his well-deserved retirement from work and returned home, but by now that family of his had extended, when daughter Barbara and Husband James proudly welcomed their Son Scott to the world in 1992.
James was now one very proud Papa.
Being retired and with Margaret working part-time, James was only too happy to watch little Scott whilst his Mum and Dad worked, infact Scott was there that often in the early days he was beginning to think that Margaret and James were his Mum and Dad.
That family of theirs was soon to extend when Barbara and James's second Son made his appearance in 1995 and he was to be named Ross.
Just a few short months later, family life was beginning for daughter Alison when she proudly welcomed her Son Conner to the world before her second Son Tony made his arrival in 1999.
James loved spending as much time with his precious Grandson's as he possibly could, even when he was pottering about in the garden you could guarantee they were by his side. One day Barbara's Sister in Law was looking out the window and there was James organising his four boys in a line before ordering them to march around the garden. Everything was all about fun with the boys.
Even watching the film 'Jungle Book', James would give each of the boys their character to play before he scared them all by pretending to be Sheer Khan himself.
The boys clung onto James's every word and it often became very competitive between the four of them as to who was really Papa's best pal.
He loved heading to St. Andrew's with the boys to his Sister Barbara and Brother Boyd's caravan that they so kindly leant to them. Every October School week he and Son in Law James would take the four boys to the Fife Coast for the week where they always had a ball, whilst making wonderful memories for the boys.
St. Andrew's was also a place that James liked the odd game of golf when he visited, a game that he never did manage to conquer over the years it has to be said.
Elgin was another place that he loved to play, that was when he and Margaret visited their Son Kenneth and his wife Shirley who lived here.
Kenneth remembers all too well playing golf with his Dad. This was the man who would look for his ball a few hundred yards down the fairway, causing Kenneth to be in fits of laughter as he pointed out to his Dad that it only went a few feet away from his original position.
One day James managed to get himself thrown off the 'Little Hill' course in Bishopbriggs as he was doing his rounds long before the Green keepers had even started their shifts…….as he liked to say "Up in the morning's the game"…….just not quite that early though James!
James loved his visits to Elgin, enjoying nothing more than a walk along Lossiemouth Beach before heading to the Ice-Cream shop, enjoying his cone whilst staring at the nearby Lossie bridge.
James really did have a tooth for all things sweet as Shirley soon found out when he cleared her of all the homemade tray bakes she had prepared in one sitting.
The visit's he enjoyed most however were post 2005 as this year saw the arrival of Kenneth and Shirley's Son Cameron, who topped off five wonderful Grandchildren for James and Margaret.
James took great delight in putting Cameron to bed at night when he was a baby, but he quickly let his Papa know that he didn't like his singing, he much preferred Nanna singing him to sleep.
In more recent years Cameron loved nothing more than his in-depth political discussions with his Papa, often leaving him surprised at how much he knew, especially when it came to American politics.
James loved all this sort of thing; he would happily sit for hours on end engrossed in a book learning something knew everyday. He also liked poetry, particularly the great works of our own famous poet Rabbie Burns.
Gardening was his great passion at home however and it wasn't uncommon to see him on a set of ladders attempting to cut the hedge, even at the fine old age of 91.
The past few years he was so thankful of the hand that Grandsons Scott and Ross would give him round the garden, he always did like to keep it immaculate it must be said.
If he ever did sit down for two minutes, then you could find James watching the football, either on the television or on his Ipad that the boys had set up for him.
Although James was a Rangers fan, he would happily sit and watch any match from all over the world, but no matter who was playing, "the referee needed to take a trip to Specsavers".
He loved his chats with his Grandsons Conner and Tony about the football when they came in to visit, and on the weekend he would give his analysis on the matches to Kenneth when he was on the phone, something Kenneth will miss dearly.
Family was everything to James, aslong as he had them in his life then he was one very content man. In more recent years, Alison has introduced her partner Thomas to the family, another welcomed addition by James and Margaret.
Sadly last year, heartache was to strike for James and the family, when his beloved Margaret passed away.
Just the year previous they were to receive their card from the Queen to congratulate them on 60 years of marriage and now James found that she was no longer by his side. This understandably changed James's outlook on life and this past year has not been the same for him without Margaret around.
Although days were difficult, he loved his daily visits from his lassies Barbara and Alison and he was so appreciative of all they done for him. Only a short time ago he informed one of the Nurses at the hospital that the 'two best nurses he knew, were his lassie's in Kirkintilloch'.
Having the four boys around all the time certainly lifted his spirits, he was so proud of each and every one of them and the young men they had turned out to be, as he was with young Cameron.
Although our hearts are heavy with James's passing, we should try and take comfort knowing that he is now where he wants to be, joined once again with his beautiful Margaret, where I'm sure they will be looking down so proudly on this wonderful legacy that their love for one another created.
Together may they now and forever rest in peace.
Parents James and Elizabeth proudly welcomed a Son to the world when he was born at the family home in Anderson Street, Kinning Park on the 16th July 1928 and they were to name him James Thom McPhail.
Young James would join his older Sister Mary and older brother Kenneth at home before the arrivals of younger siblings Beth, Boyd and Barbara who would complete the McPhail family upon her arrival.
In his youth, James and the family would move to Possilpark, where their Friday evening's entertainment was standing outside the pub to get a good laugh at the woman pulling their men out who had forgot to head home after work.
Life for most families was difficult back then, but never once young James and his siblings go without, his Mum and Dad always made sure there was a meal on the table for them all.
James would attend the nearby Possilpark Primary, and at this time he picked up work delivering rolls and milk to help bring finances into the family home, developing his hard work ethics from an early age.
It was doing this that he would pick up the nickname 'Speedy' as he was as fast as lightening running from door to door on his rounds.
James was a clever lad at school, so much so that the head teacher from Possilpark Senior Secondary once called his parents to recommend he attend North Kelvinside Academy in preparation for University. James being the family man that he was wanted to earn his keep and so left school at the age of 14 and found work as a 'Paige Boy' in Greens Playhouse on Renfield Street in the City, where he would top up the American soldiers glasses and provide them with cigarettes whenever they ran low.
From here he spent some time working in the shunting yards before successfully earning himself an apprenticeship with 'Scottish Wore Rope' in Bishopbriggs where he would work for the remainder of his working life.
During his apprenticeship James was called upon by his country to do his National Service and on completion of his initial training in Richmond in England, he was sent to join the 'Royal Mechanical Engineers' serving in places such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Kure Harbour in Japan.
On completion of his two years' service, James returned to the Wire Rope to complete his apprenticeship.
Once qualified, James took up the opportunity of work in Canada, however after 3 short months in Montreal he became homesick and so headed home to Possilpark and to his job at the Wire Rope, who in time would amalgamate with 'Martin Blacks' from Coatbridge.
Well by now James enjoyed nothing more than a pint at the weekends with his mates and one night whilst at the pub, his life would change forever when he caught sight of one of the barmaids at the 'Glen Afton bar'.
She went by the name of Margaret McQuillan, but sadly James never did get to speak to her that night.
Now some say it was by chance that James would bump into her again when she worked in the 'The Glen' bar in Auchinairn, others however would say he was stocking her to a certain degree.
Well that evening, James's friend invited Margaret back to a party after her shift to which she happily agreed to go along to. It was here that Margaret showed off her wonderful singing voice by belting out the classic 'Mr. Wonderful' by Peggy Lee and at that moment in time, James McPhail fell in love.
He quickly wrapped his arms around Margaret and sat her on his knee……and well the rest was history as they say.
From that moment, James knew this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and so it didn't take long for him to ask Margaret for her hand in marriage.
On the 20th March 1959, family and friends gathered at 'Henry Drummond Parish Church' to witness them both take their vows with great sincerity as they would go on to spend the next 61 years together as Husband and Wife.
The newlyweds would set up home in McAslin Street in Townhead, and the following year family life was to begin for them when they proudly welcomed their daughter Barbara to the world in 1960.
Just a few short weeks later, the now family of three were on the move to Kirkintilloch, setting up home in Friar's croft in the town, a wonderful community to raise a young family. It was just as well it was as that family was soon to extend upon the arrival of Son Kenneth in 1961.
Barbara and Kenneth's early memories of Dad at this time were that he was always working, taking on extra shifts to provide the best he could for his young family. They actually dreaded the days Dad got a day off as you could bet your bottom dollar he would have you up at the crack of dawn by his slamming of doors and his all-round noisy behaviour around the house.
James's motto in life was "Up in the Morning's the game".
James treasured family time, particularly when he could get time off work at the fare fortnight, treating the kids to holidays in Girvan and Millport, where he watched on with great pride at young Barbara and Kenneth running along the beaches having a ball.
Back home in Kirkintilloch, the McPhail's were on the move in 1967, setting up home round the corner on Lammermoor Road, the home that James would spend the rest of his life. Kenneth recalls that day vividly; there he was walking down the hill from school only to notice the family couch sitting outside the house wandering what on earth was going on.
It would appear that Mum and Dad forgot to mention that they were moving house that day.
This house would host many a wonderful nights with family and friends over the years, nights that would go on till the wee small hours where Margaret got to show off that wonderful singing voice of hers and James chipped with a few classics too, he was a fair chanter himself.
Other nights James and Margaret enjoyed over the years were with the Cumbernauld Crew, good friends and neighbours James's younger Sister Barbara and brother Boyd who lived in Kildrum at the time, many of whom they themselves became close friends with over the years.
Well some eleven years after young Kenneth's arrival in the world James and Margaret would see their family complete upon the birth of daughter Alison in 1972.
Alison would certainly grow to be a Daddy's girl, cherishing those weekends that they would spend together when Mum was at work. James would organise a picnic for them both and head for the Campsie Hills or sometimes further afield to the likes of Balmaha, singing all the way there and back in the car.
One song James always sang to young Alison was 'Ally's Tartan Army', a song that she believed was written for her by her Dad.
Little did she know Alistair McLeod was about to win the World Cup for Scotland out in Argentina……or so the song says anyway at least!
Weekends were also for heading through to Cumbernauld to visit Gran. James just adored his Ma, always speaking of her very fondly, and always appreciated the wonderful memories that she left him with.
1984 would see James head away from Kirkintilloch as he had been assigned to work in India of all places. Here he was tasked with installing all the machinery for the wire ropes before training staff in the safe operation of these machines.
James initially struggled with the lifestyle in India, he was more than happy to cut his own grass, polish his own shoes and cook his own meals, but such was the way of life here he had someone assigned to him to carry out all these tasks.
One thing that certainly came as a shock to James was the medical advice he received when he contracted Malaria. When asked by the Doctor if he smoked or liked a drink, James replied "No", only to be told that he should take it up to keep the Malaria at bay.
Maybe that's why we don't have Malaria in Scotland then, as were generally quite good at those two things!
Thankfully he had a bit of normality come his way when Margaret and young Alison came out here to spend the summer with him in '85, but what he didn't realise at this time was that he would be working away from home for the next ten years.
During this time he would also spend time working in Bangkok, where he soon adopted a wee dog and named him 'Jock McKay'…….he had to have someone Scottish by his side being away so long.
In 1994, James took his well-deserved retirement from work and returned home, but by now that family of his had extended, when daughter Barbara and Husband James proudly welcomed their Son Scott to the world in 1992.
James was now one very proud Papa.
Being retired and with Margaret working part-time, James was only too happy to watch little Scott whilst his Mum and Dad worked, infact Scott was there that often in the early days he was beginning to think that Margaret and James were his Mum and Dad.
That family of theirs was soon to extend when Barbara and James's second Son made his appearance in 1995 and he was to be named Ross.
Just a few short months later, family life was beginning for daughter Alison when she proudly welcomed her Son Conner to the world before her second Son Tony made his arrival in 1999.
James loved spending as much time with his precious Grandson's as he possibly could, even when he was pottering about in the garden you could guarantee they were by his side. One day Barbara's Sister in Law was looking out the window and there was James organising his four boys in a line before ordering them to march around the garden. Everything was all about fun with the boys.
Even watching the film 'Jungle Book', James would give each of the boys their character to play before he scared them all by pretending to be Sheer Khan himself.
The boys clung onto James's every word and it often became very competitive between the four of them as to who was really Papa's best pal.
He loved heading to St. Andrew's with the boys to his Sister Barbara and Brother Boyd's caravan that they so kindly leant to them. Every October School week he and Son in Law James would take the four boys to the Fife Coast for the week where they always had a ball, whilst making wonderful memories for the boys.
St. Andrew's was also a place that James liked the odd game of golf when he visited, a game that he never did manage to conquer over the years it has to be said.
Elgin was another place that he loved to play, that was when he and Margaret visited their Son Kenneth and his wife Shirley who lived here.
Kenneth remembers all too well playing golf with his Dad. This was the man who would look for his ball a few hundred yards down the fairway, causing Kenneth to be in fits of laughter as he pointed out to his Dad that it only went a few feet away from his original position.
One day James managed to get himself thrown off the 'Little Hill' course in Bishopbriggs as he was doing his rounds long before the Green keepers had even started their shifts…….as he liked to say "Up in the morning's the game"…….just not quite that early though James!
James loved his visits to Elgin, enjoying nothing more than a walk along Lossiemouth Beach before heading to the Ice-Cream shop, enjoying his cone whilst staring at the nearby Lossie bridge.
James really did have a tooth for all things sweet as Shirley soon found out when he cleared her of all the homemade tray bakes she had prepared in one sitting.
The visit's he enjoyed most however were post 2005 as this year saw the arrival of Kenneth and Shirley's Son Cameron, who topped off five wonderful Grandchildren for James and Margaret.
James took great delight in putting Cameron to bed at night when he was a baby, but he quickly let his Papa know that he didn't like his singing, he much preferred Nanna singing him to sleep.
In more recent years Cameron loved nothing more than his in-depth political discussions with his Papa, often leaving him surprised at how much he knew, especially when it came to American politics.
James loved all this sort of thing; he would happily sit for hours on end engrossed in a book learning something knew everyday. He also liked poetry, particularly the great works of our own famous poet Rabbie Burns.
Gardening was his great passion at home however and it wasn't uncommon to see him on a set of ladders attempting to cut the hedge, even at the fine old age of 91.
The past few years he was so thankful of the hand that Grandsons Scott and Ross would give him round the garden, he always did like to keep it immaculate it must be said.
If he ever did sit down for two minutes, then you could find James watching the football, either on the television or on his Ipad that the boys had set up for him.
Although James was a Rangers fan, he would happily sit and watch any match from all over the world, but no matter who was playing, "the referee needed to take a trip to Specsavers".
He loved his chats with his Grandsons Conner and Tony about the football when they came in to visit, and on the weekend he would give his analysis on the matches to Kenneth when he was on the phone, something Kenneth will miss dearly.
Family was everything to James, aslong as he had them in his life then he was one very content man. In more recent years, Alison has introduced her partner Thomas to the family, another welcomed addition by James and Margaret.
Sadly last year, heartache was to strike for James and the family, when his beloved Margaret passed away.
Just the year previous they were to receive their card from the Queen to congratulate them on 60 years of marriage and now James found that she was no longer by his side. This understandably changed James's outlook on life and this past year has not been the same for him without Margaret around.
Although days were difficult, he loved his daily visits from his lassies Barbara and Alison and he was so appreciative of all they done for him. Only a short time ago he informed one of the Nurses at the hospital that the 'two best nurses he knew, were his lassie's in Kirkintilloch'.
Having the four boys around all the time certainly lifted his spirits, he was so proud of each and every one of them and the young men they had turned out to be, as he was with young Cameron.
Although our hearts are heavy with James's passing, we should try and take comfort knowing that he is now where he wants to be, joined once again with his beautiful Margaret, where I'm sure they will be looking down so proudly on this wonderful legacy that their love for one another created.
Together may they now and forever rest in peace.
Young James would join his older Sister Mary and older brother Kenneth at home before the arrivals of younger siblings Beth, Boyd and Barbara who would complete the McPhail family upon her arrival.
In his youth, James and the family would move to Possilpark, where their Friday evening's entertainment was standing outside the pub to get a good laugh at the woman pulling their men out who had forgot to head home after work.
Life for most families was difficult back then, but never once young James and his siblings go without, his Mum and Dad always made sure there was a meal on the table for them all.
James would attend the nearby Possilpark Primary, and at this time he picked up work delivering rolls and milk to help bring finances into the family home, developing his hard work ethics from an early age.
It was doing this that he would pick up the nickname 'Speedy' as he was as fast as lightening running from door to door on his rounds.
James was a clever lad at school, so much so that the head teacher from Possilpark Senior Secondary once called his parents to recommend he attend North Kelvinside Academy in preparation for University. James being the family man that he was wanted to earn his keep and so left school at the age of 14 and found work as a 'Paige Boy' in Greens Playhouse on Renfield Street in the City, where he would top up the American soldiers glasses and provide them with cigarettes whenever they ran low.
From here he spent some time working in the shunting yards before successfully earning himself an apprenticeship with 'Scottish Wore Rope' in Bishopbriggs where he would work for the remainder of his working life.
During his apprenticeship James was called upon by his country to do his National Service and on completion of his initial training in Richmond in England, he was sent to join the 'Royal Mechanical Engineers' serving in places such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Kure Harbour in Japan.
On completion of his two years' service, James returned to the Wire Rope to complete his apprenticeship.
Once qualified, James took up the opportunity of work in Canada, however after 3 short months in Montreal he became homesick and so headed home to Possilpark and to his job at the Wire Rope, who in time would amalgamate with 'Martin Blacks' from Coatbridge.
Well by now James enjoyed nothing more than a pint at the weekends with his mates and one night whilst at the pub, his life would change forever when he caught sight of one of the barmaids at the 'Glen Afton bar'.
She went by the name of Margaret McQuillan, but sadly James never did get to speak to her that night.
Now some say it was by chance that James would bump into her again when she worked in the 'The Glen' bar in Auchinairn, others however would say he was stocking her to a certain degree.
Well that evening, James's friend invited Margaret back to a party after her shift to which she happily agreed to go along to. It was here that Margaret showed off her wonderful singing voice by belting out the classic 'Mr. Wonderful' by Peggy Lee and at that moment in time, James McPhail fell in love.
He quickly wrapped his arms around Margaret and sat her on his knee……and well the rest was history as they say.
From that moment, James knew this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and so it didn't take long for him to ask Margaret for her hand in marriage.
On the 20th March 1959, family and friends gathered at 'Henry Drummond Parish Church' to witness them both take their vows with great sincerity as they would go on to spend the next 61 years together as Husband and Wife.
The newlyweds would set up home in McAslin Street in Townhead, and the following year family life was to begin for them when they proudly welcomed their daughter Barbara to the world in 1960.
Just a few short weeks later, the now family of three were on the move to Kirkintilloch, setting up home in Friar's croft in the town, a wonderful community to raise a young family. It was just as well it was as that family was soon to extend upon the arrival of Son Kenneth in 1961.
Barbara and Kenneth's early memories of Dad at this time were that he was always working, taking on extra shifts to provide the best he could for his young family. They actually dreaded the days Dad got a day off as you could bet your bottom dollar he would have you up at the crack of dawn by his slamming of doors and his all-round noisy behaviour around the house.
James's motto in life was "Up in the Morning's the game".
James treasured family time, particularly when he could get time off work at the fare fortnight, treating the kids to holidays in Girvan and Millport, where he watched on with great pride at young Barbara and Kenneth running along the beaches having a ball.
Back home in Kirkintilloch, the McPhail's were on the move in 1967, setting up home round the corner on Lammermoor Road, the home that James would spend the rest of his life. Kenneth recalls that day vividly; there he was walking down the hill from school only to notice the family couch sitting outside the house wandering what on earth was going on.
It would appear that Mum and Dad forgot to mention that they were moving house that day.
This house would host many a wonderful nights with family and friends over the years, nights that would go on till the wee small hours where Margaret got to show off that wonderful singing voice of hers and James chipped with a few classics too, he was a fair chanter himself.
Other nights James and Margaret enjoyed over the years were with the Cumbernauld Crew, good friends and neighbours James's younger Sister Barbara and brother Boyd who lived in Kildrum at the time, many of whom they themselves became close friends with over the years.
Well some eleven years after young Kenneth's arrival in the world James and Margaret would see their family complete upon the birth of daughter Alison in 1972.
Alison would certainly grow to be a Daddy's girl, cherishing those weekends that they would spend together when Mum was at work. James would organise a picnic for them both and head for the Campsie Hills or sometimes further afield to the likes of Balmaha, singing all the way there and back in the car.
One song James always sang to young Alison was 'Ally's Tartan Army', a song that she believed was written for her by her Dad.
Little did she know Alistair McLeod was about to win the World Cup for Scotland out in Argentina……or so the song says anyway at least!
Weekends were also for heading through to Cumbernauld to visit Gran. James just adored his Ma, always speaking of her very fondly, and always appreciated the wonderful memories that she left him with.
1984 would see James head away from Kirkintilloch as he had been assigned to work in India of all places. Here he was tasked with installing all the machinery for the wire ropes before training staff in the safe operation of these machines.
James initially struggled with the lifestyle in India, he was more than happy to cut his own grass, polish his own shoes and cook his own meals, but such was the way of life here he had someone assigned to him to carry out all these tasks.
One thing that certainly came as a shock to James was the medical advice he received when he contracted Malaria. When asked by the Doctor if he smoked or liked a drink, James replied "No", only to be told that he should take it up to keep the Malaria at bay.
Maybe that's why we don't have Malaria in Scotland then, as were generally quite good at those two things!
Thankfully he had a bit of normality come his way when Margaret and young Alison came out here to spend the summer with him in '85, but what he didn't realise at this time was that he would be working away from home for the next ten years.
During this time he would also spend time working in Bangkok, where he soon adopted a wee dog and named him 'Jock McKay'…….he had to have someone Scottish by his side being away so long.
In 1994, James took his well-deserved retirement from work and returned home, but by now that family of his had extended, when daughter Barbara and Husband James proudly welcomed their Son Scott to the world in 1992.
James was now one very proud Papa.
Being retired and with Margaret working part-time, James was only too happy to watch little Scott whilst his Mum and Dad worked, infact Scott was there that often in the early days he was beginning to think that Margaret and James were his Mum and Dad.
That family of theirs was soon to extend when Barbara and James's second Son made his appearance in 1995 and he was to be named Ross.
Just a few short months later, family life was beginning for daughter Alison when she proudly welcomed her Son Conner to the world before her second Son Tony made his arrival in 1999.
James loved spending as much time with his precious Grandson's as he possibly could, even when he was pottering about in the garden you could guarantee they were by his side. One day Barbara's Sister in Law was looking out the window and there was James organising his four boys in a line before ordering them to march around the garden. Everything was all about fun with the boys.
Even watching the film 'Jungle Book', James would give each of the boys their character to play before he scared them all by pretending to be Sheer Khan himself.
The boys clung onto James's every word and it often became very competitive between the four of them as to who was really Papa's best pal.
He loved heading to St. Andrew's with the boys to his Sister Barbara and Brother Boyd's caravan that they so kindly leant to them. Every October School week he and Son in Law James would take the four boys to the Fife Coast for the week where they always had a ball, whilst making wonderful memories for the boys.
St. Andrew's was also a place that James liked the odd game of golf when he visited, a game that he never did manage to conquer over the years it has to be said.
Elgin was another place that he loved to play, that was when he and Margaret visited their Son Kenneth and his wife Shirley who lived here.
Kenneth remembers all too well playing golf with his Dad. This was the man who would look for his ball a few hundred yards down the fairway, causing Kenneth to be in fits of laughter as he pointed out to his Dad that it only went a few feet away from his original position.
One day James managed to get himself thrown off the 'Little Hill' course in Bishopbriggs as he was doing his rounds long before the Green keepers had even started their shifts…….as he liked to say "Up in the morning's the game"…….just not quite that early though James!
James loved his visits to Elgin, enjoying nothing more than a walk along Lossiemouth Beach before heading to the Ice-Cream shop, enjoying his cone whilst staring at the nearby Lossie bridge.
James really did have a tooth for all things sweet as Shirley soon found out when he cleared her of all the homemade tray bakes she had prepared in one sitting.
The visit's he enjoyed most however were post 2005 as this year saw the arrival of Kenneth and Shirley's Son Cameron, who topped off five wonderful Grandchildren for James and Margaret.
James took great delight in putting Cameron to bed at night when he was a baby, but he quickly let his Papa know that he didn't like his singing, he much preferred Nanna singing him to sleep.
In more recent years Cameron loved nothing more than his in-depth political discussions with his Papa, often leaving him surprised at how much he knew, especially when it came to American politics.
James loved all this sort of thing; he would happily sit for hours on end engrossed in a book learning something knew everyday. He also liked poetry, particularly the great works of our own famous poet Rabbie Burns.
Gardening was his great passion at home however and it wasn't uncommon to see him on a set of ladders attempting to cut the hedge, even at the fine old age of 91.
The past few years he was so thankful of the hand that Grandsons Scott and Ross would give him round the garden, he always did like to keep it immaculate it must be said.
If he ever did sit down for two minutes, then you could find James watching the football, either on the television or on his Ipad that the boys had set up for him.
Although James was a Rangers fan, he would happily sit and watch any match from all over the world, but no matter who was playing, "the referee needed to take a trip to Specsavers".
He loved his chats with his Grandsons Conner and Tony about the football when they came in to visit, and on the weekend he would give his analysis on the matches to Kenneth when he was on the phone, something Kenneth will miss dearly.
Family was everything to James, aslong as he had them in his life then he was one very content man. In more recent years, Alison has introduced her partner Thomas to the family, another welcomed addition by James and Margaret.
Sadly last year, heartache was to strike for James and the family, when his beloved Margaret passed away.
Just the year previous they were to receive their card from the Queen to congratulate them on 60 years of marriage and now James found that she was no longer by his side. This understandably changed James's outlook on life and this past year has not been the same for him without Margaret around.
Although days were difficult, he loved his daily visits from his lassies Barbara and Alison and he was so appreciative of all they done for him. Only a short time ago he informed one of the Nurses at the hospital that the 'two best nurses he knew, were his lassie's in Kirkintilloch'.
Having the four boys around all the time certainly lifted his spirits, he was so proud of each and every one of them and the young men they had turned out to be, as he was with young Cameron.
Although our hearts are heavy with James's passing, we should try and take comfort knowing that he is now where he wants to be, joined once again with his beautiful Margaret, where I'm sure they will be looking down so proudly on this wonderful legacy that their love for one another created.
Together may they now and forever rest in peace.
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