James “Jim" McCarthy beloved husband, father and grandfather left this world Sunday evening January 28, 2007 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born in Escanaba on August 5, 1929. He was preceded in death by his father James R. McCarthy Sr. and his mother Anna (Bousch) McCarthy. A brother John and a sister Geraldine Corbett also preceded him. He is survived by one sister Madeline Kessler of
Sacramento, CA.

Jim married the former Patricia VanDamme on July 11, 1953 at the All Saints Church in Gladstone. They have five children, Diane (Ken) Potok of Hillsdale, MI, Dan “Fleetwood’ of St. Ignace and Veil, CO, Barbara (Mick Mickleson) McCarthy of Minneapolis, MN, Mary (Dr. Brian) Zelickson of Minneapolis, MN and Ann (Curt) Casperson of Neenah, WI. He is also survived by three grandchildren, John Potok and Eve and Arlo Zelickson.

Jim was a 1947 graduate of the St. Joseph High School in Escanaba and following graduation he sailed on the Great Lakes. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and was stationed in Alabama until he was honorably discharged in 1953.

Jim and Pat were co-owners of the Pat & Jim’s Store in Gladstone from 1953 to 1987. They also owned and operated the McCarthy Maytag Laundry in Gladstone and the Delta Plaza Quick Wash in Escanaba.

Jim was a very active member of the Gladstone Community and he was one of the first members of the IDC Committee for the City of Gladstone and Past President of the Gladstone Golf Club. He served on the church council of All Saints Church in Gladstone for several years. He also served on the Baybank Board of Directors for 22 years from 1981 to 2003 where he was the Chairman of the Board from 1992 until his retirement in 2003. Jim was very active with the Gladstone Lions Club, serving as King Lion and also served as the M.C. of the 4th of July activities. He was also a member of the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71.

Jim loved walking, golfing, playing cards, fishing and hunting with his friends at their hunting camps. Jim treasured spending time at their cottage on Maywood Shores with his family. His family will always have those wonderful memories of the times they spent together. Jim had a quick wit and a way of making everyone feel welcome. He will be always loved and
missed by his family and friends.

Jim’s family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the All Saints Church in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial Services celebrating the life of James Raymond McCarthy will follow at 6:00 P.M. with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church parish hall. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Pallbearers will be John and Bob Skellenger, Paul and Jude VanDamme, Blake Ballard and Don St. Germaine. Memorial contributions may be directed to the All Saints Church Elevator Fund or the Gladstone Lions Club, envelopes will be available at the church or the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.