December 28, 1928 - July 6, 2020
Jim Healy, age 91, passed away on the evening of Monday, July 6th from complications due to the COVID-19 virus. He is survived by his three children: James and wife Donna, Richard and wife Cindy, and Laura and husband Chris Craig; four grandchildren and one great grandchild; and two sisters, Mary and husband Paul Barbis, and Renee and husband Tony Ragnone. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Lois; brothers Leon and John; and sisters Barbara and Charlotte.
Jim was born in New York City to Nan and James Healy. He grew up living in Manhattan and Bronx, NY where he attended Chelsea Vocational High School. In 1946, after high school, Jim joined the US Navy and served two years aboard a destroyer ship in Boston, Norfolk, and New Orleans as an electrician instructor. After the Navy, he attended Manhattan College for Electrical Engineering. In July 1951, Jim began working for the NY Telephone Company. During this time, he met Lois Fredericks at a Lenox Hill Hospital Nursing School graduation dance. They were married on October 4, 1952. While living in Paramus, New Jersey, working and raising a family of three, he enrolled in night school at Farleigh Dickinson University. Jim graduated cum laude in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. Jim earned the reputation as a "fixer" as he rotated through numerous executive positions at New York Telephone, ending with the position of Division Manager, Operations for Manhattan. Jim retired in April 1988 and he and Lois moved to Sun City West, Arizona later that year.
As a retiree in Sun City West, Jim was an active bowler (with a 200+ average), and devoted much time volunteering for numerous organizations and clubs. He was very active with the AARP Tax Service and volunteered with them for 31 years, helping with returns initially, then managing the computers. He was a member of the Sun City West Computer Club since 1991 and a board member of the PC Club. Jim and Lois were active members of Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church. Jim was the chair of the church board of education, a member of the Board of Trustees, and helped with the video work. When not volunteering, Jim and Lois loved to travel the world with wonderful trips and cruises to Egypt, China, Russia, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska to name a few.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and the many other people he touched with his kindness, humor and generosity.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 virus situation, memorial services are limited to Jim's immediate family. He knows you are all praying for him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases or the American Cancer Society.
