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Obituary For James Francis McCarty, Jr.
James “Jim” F. McCarty, Jr., 87, passed away at MercyOne Des Moines on March 21, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd.) with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1st St.) followed by a graveside service at 12:30 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. A lunch reception will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 403, 910 Main St., Van Meter, IA 50261.
Jim was born in Melrose, Iowa on May 12, 1937 to James and Berenice McCarty. He graduated from St Patrick’s Church/School in 1955 and went on to attain his associates degree attending St Ambrose University. He began his career as a member of the Iowa Army National Guard in 1959. He served as a full time member of the Guard until he retired in 1997 as Lieutenant Colonel, specializing in logistics, and was brevet to Colonel upon his retirement.
On April 30, 1960, he married Janet Roberts in Ottumwa, Iowa, sharing their lives together for almost 65 years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Janet; his five children, Diane (Jim) Brown, Carolyn (Chris) Wilson, Mary (Jeff) Cory, James “Jim” McCarty III, and Joe (Lori) McCarty; and his brother, Larry (Cathy) McCarty. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Donald McCarty.
He loved everything to do with family and family gatherings. He was a regular at all his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s events until his passing. His passions included all things with the National Guard, his regular tractor rides on his antique Farmall, traveling to cattle shows, trips to Florida, volunteering at Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and attending as many high school sporting events as he could.
Jim and Janet have enjoyed countless times and activities with their 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Jim’s conviction to his family, faith and country combined with his fun-loving ribbing of friends and family is how he’ll be remembered by many.
Memorials can be made to American Heart Association.
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Joel Johnson planted 10 trees in memory of James Francis McCarty, Jr. . - March 27, 2025
Sheryl Dean planted 5 trees in memory of James Francis McCarty, Jr. . - March 25, 2025
Chuck Hartlieb sent Pink Tribute Spray for James Francis McCarty, Jr. - March 24, 2025
Daniella Moiseyev sent Ocean Devotion for James Francis McCarty, Jr. - March 24, 2025
Jennifer Richter sent America the Beautiful for James Francis McCarty, Jr. - March 23, 2025
Jennifer Barp sent Serene Lily Basket for James Francis McCarty, Jr. - March 23, 2025
Amber Schumacher sent Ocean Devotion for James Francis McCarty, Jr. - March 23, 2025
Dear Janet, Carolyn, Diane, Mary, Little Jim, Joe and extended family. My sincere condolences for the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. He was my dear friend and mentor for over 34 years. He was the LTC over the LOG Department at Camp Dodge for the time I worked for the Iowa ANG and our relationship continued over the years. Jim encouraged me to grow throughout my government career and supported me through difficult times in my life, especially when my Mother passed away. He always said "You'll be alright kid," and he was always right! He was the best of the best and a wonderful person...beyond compare!
LTC (Jim), I will miss our chats and texts and this kid will forever hold you in her heart ♥️ and cherish your memory forever.
Your Battle Buddy! Sheila Jane
Jim was a fellow Guardsman, friend and tractor rider Buddy! I didn't know Jim in the Guard but got well acquainted with him on tractor rides. We were on 33 tractor rides together, helping each other and enjoying the nostalgia of our farming years as kids. Jim had a good sense of humor, had lots of stories and enjoyed being with those who had similar backgrounds. From the many family stories, it was evident he loved and enjoyed his family! Jim will be missed by many, but the great memories will last forever!
I give thanks for his making me so welcome and friendship in the Signal Corp of the Iowa Army National Guard. He was an outstanding model for me and his troops.
