James G Mccoy

McCoy, James Gordon, 86, of Irvine, California, passed away February 7th, 2011, with his family by his side. He was born on May 25th, 1924, in Hamilton, Ohio. A devoted husband and loving father, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Teresa McCoy; his son, Bruce McCoy (Terumi); his daughters, Janet Henze (Chuck) and Marcia Martin (Wayne). He is also survived by his grandson, Ben Clark (Kim) and great-granddaughter, Isabella. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and was a proud veteran of the US Army during WW2, having served in Central Europe. He married Teresa Cooke of Louisville, Kentucky in 1947, and started his long and distinguished retail career working at Stewart’s Department Store as a buyer. He was able to travel the world purchasing the latest fashions and spent many exciting times in New York City.

He moved his family to Orange County, California in 1961, and joined J.W. Robinson’s Department Store, starting as a merchandise manager, working his way up to store manager at the Anaheim, Westminster, La Puente, Cerritos and Fashion Island (Newport Beach) locations. James was president of the 37 store Anaheim Center Merchants Association as well as the Fashion Island Merchants Association for several years. He belonged to the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club and was President of the Woodbridge Homeowners Association. James was known for mentoring and training young assistants and grooming them to become store managers as well as other highly respected retail positions. He was an amazing inspiration with an incredible work ethic. Under his instruction, each one of his three children worked in a retail capacity at one time or another. The overall experience played a positive role for each one in their respective endeavors.

After retiring from an outstanding retail career of 46 years, James worked at the San Joaquin Golf Course in Irvine, for many years, fulfilling his love of golf and the outdoors. He had golfed all over the world, keeping every one of his score cards! He loved vintage cars and attended many shows with his son, Bruce. He treasured his 1983 Nissan 280Z with a passion.

James was known as a true gentleman and a great leader. A man of integrity and kindness, he always had a twinkle in his eye, a dazzling smile and a hearty laugh. He lived simply, yet had enormous class and style, loving the finer things in life. He had a deep affection for Orange County and, to this day, his family thanks him for making that move to California, the home of “Mickey Mouse.” He took home movies of Disneyland as a means of impressing his children to make that move from Kentucky to California... and they have never been sorry! He will be remembered and will live in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 13th, 2:30 PM, at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar.

A reception will be held for friends and family immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Heart Association, or to Silverado Hospice, San Juan Capistrano, California.

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.