James Hoyle McCarn

March 30, 1938 -August 5, 2025

Tampa, Florida

James “Jim” Hoyle McCarn, 87, of Tampa, FL, took his final lap on August 5, 2025, trading in this life’s keys for something with a little more horsepower. Born in March 1938 to Royal and Nelvia McCarn, Jim was a Southern original—equal parts grit, charm, and good ol’ fashioned stubbornness.

He made his mark as a car auctioneer and salesman, a career that suited him just fine—fast-talking, fast-moving, and always a step ahead of the deal. If you ever tried to out-haggle Jim, chances are you drove away with a car and a story you’d never forget.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his two sons; James Timothy “Tim” McCarn and Robert Royal McCarn, as well as his grandson, Jonathan Stringham, all of whom undoubtedly greeted him with a cold drink and a “what took you so long?” on the other side.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law Maryanne Larkin McCarn—of Tampa, Florida, his adoring granddaughter, Megan Korthas (McCarn), her husband Jake Korthas, and his great-grandson Mason Korthas—all of Bossier City, Louisiana. Mason, no doubt, already inherited a bit of Jim’s wit, sass, and love for sports.

Jim never missed a NASCAR race, never turned down a plate of BBQ, and never passed up a trip to Lexington, North Carolina—his favorite escape where he famously chauffeured the late Elvis Presley around. He lived his life with a full tank, a loud laugh, and a deep love for his family.

Though he’s parked for the last time, we know he’s somewhere up there—making a BBQ sandwich with slaw, yelling at a race, and still trying to sell someone a Buick. His body will be laid to rest alongside his parents in Lexington, NC.

In lieu of flowers, fire up the smoker or grill, watch a race, and tell someone you love them with a little extra Southern twang. That’s how Jim would’ve wanted it.