James R. "Jim" McCarthy

James R. McCarthy (Jim), beloved husband of Freda McCarthy, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at the age of 88 with his family by his side. He is the only son of the late James Beatty McCarthy and Tessie McCarthy. Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife, Edith Boesch McCarthy. Jim's devotion to his family was the essence of his life. He was the dedicated father of James P. McCarthy (wife Mitzi), Terry R. McCarthy (wife Nancy), Dr. Dan McCarthy (wife Deborah), the late Richard C. McCarthy (wife Rhea), Eileen McCarthy Martinez (husband Simo), and stepfather to Michaela Luke (husband Eric). Jim has 15 adoring grandchildren (Tracy Laiche, James McCarthy, Amy Arthur, Mandy Jaubert, Kelly Rabalais, Nancy Vedel, Scott McCarthy, Laura Campo, Shannon McCarthy, Aubry McCarthy Bryant, Randy and Edith Martinez, Amanda, Nicole and Ethan Luke) and 16 great grandchildren who continue to carry his smile with them. Jim embodied the zealous spirit of our nation's greatest generation. After graduating from Holy Cross High School in 1941, he left Tulane School of Engineering to volunteer when the United States entered World War II. He navigated 35 critical missions over Germany with the 390th Bomber Group, and survived being shot on his final flight. Upon returning from the war he had a distinguished career at South Central Bell, and retired as an executive with AT&T. Jim was selected as the Holy Cross Man of the Year and was honored for being a founder of the long standing tradition now known as "Holy Cross Family Day." He was a charter member of the Thebians Fraternity, as well as a member of the Kiwanis Club, The Marrero/Harvey Senior Center and The BellSouth Telephone Pioneers. Jim also served as the director of the Red Cross Shelter during Hurricanes Betsy and Camille. He will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and whose lives he touched with his laughter, kindness and generosity. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday, June 3, 2013 at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St., New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 12:00 p.m. in the Schoen chapel. Interment will be at St. Patrick's #3. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the McCarthy Scholarship Fund at Holy Cross High School. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com.