James Joseph McMonagle

Jim was born in San Antonio, TX on February 18, 1932, to James Connell and Helen Irene (Miller) McMonagle. As an only child on a 200-acre family farm in Von Ormy, TX, Jim grew up valuing family and knowing that hard work and sacrifice were part of life. These were ethics he instilled in his three sons and exemplified to countless Marines.

In addition to farm chores, Jim also had a variety of summer jobs such as in a hardware store, as an electrician’s helper, and at a pottery factory. Jim began Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, TX just as World War II ended, graduating in 1949. Like many young men of that era, Jim participated in Army Jr ROTC. His lifelong propensity for looking older than he was began early; on more than one occasion, people seeing him in his Jr ROTC uniform asked him which campaigns he had served in during the war.

Jim was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, class of 1953. He left Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and many burgeoning lifelong friendships. Upon arriving on campus for registration, a Marine Gunnery Sergeant approached and asked him if he would like to get out of one English and two required theology classes. Though he considered himself a serious student, Jim acknowledged that this proposition intrigued him, so he asked for some information. The only “catch” was that he first had to enroll in Naval ROTC. Having enjoyed Army Jr ROTC in high school, he decided to give the Naval Services a try. This chance encounter began a journey that would span more than 70 years of his life with the Marine Corps, serving more than 35 years on active duty, and another 35 years post-retirement.

Jim served as an infantry officer and commanded Marines at almost every rank from Second Lieutenant to Major General and was involved in a number of commitments of Marines during his period of service. Jim led a platoon in post-armistice Korea in 1954, a communications unit in Beirut during the 1958 Lebanon Crisis, the detachment of Marines on the 6th Fleet’s flagship in the Mediterranean in 1958-60, a battalion in Viet Nam in 1969, a brigade in Okinawa in 1979-80, and I Marine Expeditionary Force and 1st Marine Division in 1986-88, as well as simultaneously serving as the Base Commander of Camp Pendleton towards the end of his tour. At the time of his retirement, he was responsible for the readiness of nearly 1/3 of the entire Marine Corps. Jim also served as the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, an assignment which he found particularly rewarding.

Throughout his life, Jim was a gentle man of faith who lived with quiet dignity. He was a modest, temperate man of deep integrity who was thoroughly devoted to his family. He had the moral courage to do what was right, even when no one was looking, confident that this was the best measure of personal and professional success. His kindness and humility were often in contrast to what people expect of someone so accomplished. His lifelong interest and gift in connecting with people could make others feel special and heard. He never left a place without having made a new friend in the process. Jim exemplified servant leadership, inspiring those around him by his example. He never gave the slightest hint to his sons they should serve in the military, yet all three did.

It was while he was assigned to the 6th Fleet’s flagship, homeported near Nice, France, that Jim met the love of his life, Carol Ann Coglan of Rye, New York. They married in St. Jean-Cap Ferrat on May 30, 1960, and began an adventure spanning the next 64 years.

Jim is survived by Carol, their sons Richard (Carolyn) of Austin, TX, Robert (Denise) of Davenport, IA, and David (Ann) of St. Paul, MN, and grandchildren Patrick and Grace. Jim was preceded in death by his grandsons James Karl McMonagle and Stephen Coglan McMonagle.

While Jim loved serving his Corps, he also treasured his retirement. He and Carol traveled the world and visited family and friends all across the US. Jim also remained active in Marine related causes; he served on the boards of The Armed Services YMCA, Devil Pups, and TriWest (the administrator of the western region of TriCare), and was involved in the 1st Marine Division Association.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, people make a gift to the military-related charity of their choice.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at the Marine Memorial Chapel at Camp Pendleton at 10:00 a.m. on November 9, 2024. There will be a visitation at the Chapel beforehand, beginning at 9:00 a.m., and a reception immediately following in the Seaview Room at the Pacific Views Event Center at Camp Pendleton. Those without DoD ID must make arrangements with the family by November 1, 2024, for base access in order to attend.