James McCarthy Obituary

McCarthy, James Patrick

James Patrick McCarthy (aka Jimmy, Jim, Jimbo, Jazz and 'Sports Director'), a 60-year resident of Western Springs, passed away after a long illness on August 13th in Seattle, Washington. Jimmy was born in Watertown, Wisconsin on November 27,1953 to Raymond and Audrey McCarthy, joining his older brothers Daniel and Richard. He was soon followed by his younger siblings Michael, Raymond and Barbara. In his early childhood, his devoted parents recognized his developmental delays and spent the rest of their lives advocating for his education and happiness, and creating opportunities for community connection and belonging. To those who took the time to get to know Jim, it was clear that his parents had succeeded on all counts. Jim was a happy, friendly and kind person who never met a stranger. He became a welcome and familiar face in the shops in downtown Western Springs and developed true friendships with many of the lovely people working in them. His family will always be especially grateful to the folks at Casey's Market, most notably Kevin, who volunteered his Tuesday nights to take Jimbo for pizza at Ledo's. It was always a highlight of Jim's week. After his move to Seattle, his brother Michael kept the Tuesday pizza night tradition rolling and he remained his steadfast, fierce and humble caregiver until Jim's last day.

Despite Jimmy's limitations, he embraced joy in every moment and was passionate about his interests. His best times were sharing those interests with those he loved. As a proud Chicago Bulls season ticket holder, going to the games with his brothers Raymond and Danny and friends Bump and Bogie were the best times of his life. He was always thrilled to be with those he loved, no matter the occasion. Whether it was listening to live music while nursing an ice cold beer or going to work at his family's company, or just sitting with his Mom and watching reruns of 'The Andy Griffith Show' for the thousandth time, Jimmy loved each moment out loud and joyfully.

Jimmy is survived by his siblings, Daniel, Richard (Mary), Michael (Cathleen) and Barbara. His passing reunites him with his parents, Ray and Audrey, and his beloved brother, Raymond (Janet), who was Jimmy's whole world until his death in 2005. He was a cherished Uncle to Shannon (Dan) Leventhal, Marisa McCarthy, Brendan McCarthy, Sarah (Bill) Pask and Doyle (Lauren) McCarthy, Great-Uncle to Joshua Leventhal, Sutton Pask, Tenley Pask and Eleanor McCarthy and close cousin to Christine and Gretchen Connaughton and Bobby McCarthy. He also had boundless love for his many other cousins, family friends and longtime neighbors.

The family would like to thank all those in Jim's life who showed him love, respect and patience in a world that wasn't always as tolerant and accepting as it should have been. In lieu of any flowers or donations, the family asks all those who want to honor Jimmy to advocate in their communities for the continuation and expansion of Special Education and Adult outreach programs for those with developmental disabilities.

Jim will be interred alongside his parents, Ray and Audrey, at Queen Of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside and a funeral mass will be held at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs at a date yet to be scheduled.

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