James Clarence McGuinness, Jr.

James C. McGuinness, Jr. went to heaven on October 23, 2024, at the age of 88. He was born on August 8, 1936, in New Orleans to James C. McGuinness and Mireille Lanusse McGuinness. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Susan McGuinness; and his youngest daughter, Amy Elizabeth McGuinness. “Jay” as he was known to family and friends, is survived by the love of his life, his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Ann Marie Rose. He was a devoted father to five children: Dr. James C. McGuinness III (Marlena), Kathleen Ann McGuinness, Patrick Clay McGuinness (Jenny), Matthew Paul McGuinness (Elisa), and Amy Elizabeth McGuinness. He was a loving grandfather to Delaney, Tucker, Kate, Karys, Khloe, Olive, Mamie and James. Jay leaves behind his brothers Charles and William “Billy” McGuinness (Colleen), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including his “brother” Mike Fitzgerald, Frank Burnett, and his “forever friend” Dr. Joseph Spalitta. Jay was a member of the second graduating class of DeLaSalle High School and graduated with a degree in Business from Southeastern Louisiana University, where he was a member of Kappa Delta Tau fraternity. Soon after, he left New Orleans for Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp. After completing his active duty, he remained in the Marine Corps Reserves for 30 years of service to his country, achieving the rank of Colonel James C. McGuinness, Jr (USMCR). Jay spent most of his professional career in medical and pharmaceutical sales. He was a member and past Grand Knight of Marquette Council #1437 of the Knights of Columbus. He was a man of faith, loyal to God, his family, his country, and his LSU Tigers. His family is very grateful to and would like to offer thanks to the doctors, nurses and caregivers who provided comfort and guidance in his final days. Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation and mass on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 6500 Kawanee Ave, Metairie, LA 70003. The visitation begins at 10:30 a.m. until the mass at 12:30 p.m. The interment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum, which is within Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request Masses be offered in Jay’s name or donations made to the Morgan Rae Center for Hope at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans (Calhoun Campus).