James Robert McEvoy

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, June 3, 1942
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Age:
75 years old

Visitation

Date: Saturday November 11, 2017
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Saturday November 11, 2017
Time: 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, June 3, 1942
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Age:
75 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, June 3, 1942
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Age:
75 years old

James Robert McEvoy

On November 5, 2017, James Robert McEvoy lost a courageous battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia.

Jim was born June 3, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri to Morris James (Jim) McEvoy and Mary Virginia (Marie) Hayes. He graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a degree in Political Science through the ROTC program.  He was commissioned into the Unites States Marine Corp as a Second Lieutenant and stationed in Quantico Virginia, San Diego, California,  Okinawa, Vietnam, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   He retired as a Marine Corp Captain in July of 1969 and began his career at IBM.

Jim coached many of his children in youth t-ball, baseball, soccer and basketball. He volunteered as a lay minister at St. Pius X Church and at Samaritan Bethany.  He was a Mayo Hospice volunteer for many years.  He also delivered Meals on Wheels and enjoyed meeting many interesting people on his routes.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Peggy; six children, Shannon (Bruce) Bechly, Winona, MN; Michael, San Diego, California; Brian (Joanne) Fort Dodge, Iowa; Terri (Kelly Smith) Rapid City, SD; James (Corrine) Boston, MA; and Erin (Michael) Widman Rochester, MN, and grandchildren Tianna (Shane) Bagley, Chance and Trey Bechly, Jake, Casey, Delaney and Jack McEvoy,  Jordan and Jared Smith, and Michael Jr. and Burke Widman.  He is also survived by three brothers, Michael (Barb) and Larry (Donna) of St. Louis, MO, and Thom of San Jose, CA; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Martin, and in-laws.

To the family’s special friends, Heidi and Karen, the many caregivers at Samaritan Bethany and Seasons Hospice, visitors, and helpers who offered prayers and rides, the family would like to extend a special thank you.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Deacon Tom DeRienzo officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #92.

Jim has donated his body to Mayo Clinic Bequest Program. Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Special Olympics (https://give.specialolympics.org)

Condolences

The family of James Robert McEvoy has received the following condolences.

Peg and Family,


Though I will be out of Rochester Nov 11th, celebrating Jim's life has been and will be on my mind. Loving and prayerful thoughts to you all. Jim was known and loved by even more folks than you can imagine! Another great person who helped make the world a better place now rests in God's Glory. Peace. 

My condolences to Jim’s family. A great IBMR. Also to Erin whom I had the pleasure of working with and coaching in St Charles for a while. God bless you all.

My wife and I offer our sincere condolences to you, Peg, and your children. I worked with Jim for many years at IBM. I first met Jim in 1968 at 1100 South Broadway Street at the Marine Corps Support Activity. It was really neat to meet back up with him at IBM. Jim was a fantastic person to know. He was very intelligent and compassionate. He always spoke highly of his family and we always discussed the various Sports activities his kids were involved in. I know that he never missed an event. We wish your family well.


Semper Fi Mac. Rest in Peace comrade.


Chuck and Sharon Smith

To the family, my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one.  As you cope with your loss, may you find comfort in knowing that God promises to put an end to all the things that have plagued mankind for centuries including death (Revelation 21:3,4). May you find peace in knowing that your dear one is safe in the memory of God, who will remember every detail about them and bring them back again (Job 14:13,15). May these words from God's word, the Bible give you comfort now and strong hope for the future. Deepest sympathy.

I worked with Jim in the early 90's. I echo what others are saying.   He taught me how to take a patient approach to dealing with problems both from co-workers and from customers. I viewed him as a mentor. I have tried to emulate many of his  qualities.  I lived in Byron at the time and we would talk girls basketball and the exceptional quality of the Lourdes team that his daughter Erin played on at that time. We had conversations on many other topics also. He was so much fun to talk with and was so approachable. Jim and his family are in my prayers.  I believe Jim is in a better place now.

My sincere condolences to you Peggy, and to your family. Jim contributed so much as a valued Mayo Hospice volunteer for a very long time. May God provide you strength going forward.

Jim was my first office mate after I transferred to Rochester with IBM from Texas.  I think we shared an office for a couple years.


Jim was such a nice guy.  He helped me a lot with doing my job.  He never got upset about anything.  He was such a good role model -- very hard working; very conscientious; high quality work was his only acceptable output.  I know he loved his Family, his kids, his wife.  He spoke of them often.  It seemed that everything he did was focused on working for the best outcomes for his Family.  He was a great influence on me...That's all I wanted to say and for people to know ... which...  I'm sure everyone already knows all this... It was good knowing you Jim.

Jim and Peg were fixtures at all of the Lourdes High School basketball games and tournaments.  You would always see Jim reading his newspaper before the game started.  They are a couple to look up to and admire.  As a fellow IBM'r, I enjoyed working with Jim for many years.  He was such a hard worker and so kind.  He was an exceptional man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  Peg, you have been a wonderful caretaker for Jim all these years.  Love and prayers to you......Mary Jane