James Mathew McCormick

James M. McCormick, 77, of Jensen Beach, Florida, passed away in February 2023. Born in December 1945 in Calumet, Michigan, McCormick was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage from his Irish, Finnish and Slovenian roots in his early childhood. He was a proud graduate of Neenah High School in 1963, the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in 1968 with a BS degree, and Florida State University in 1972 with a Master of Social Work degree. He later completed further graduate studies at the University of Minnesota in 1988.

McCormick had a thirty-year career in managing and directing services to individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. He was a dedicated advocate for the disabled and served on the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation in Washington, D.C. where he was instrumental in the development of legislation and national policy supporting the disabled community.

Retiring to Jensen Beach, Florida in 2005, McCormick continued his community involvement and dedication to local history. He was proud of his work at The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar, and at the Elliott Museum. He was dedicated to building character as a supporter of the Boys and Girls Brigade in Neenah, Wisconsin.

McCormick is survived by his wife Ann (Pendergast), whom he married in 1964; two daughters Stephanie McCormick of Seattle, WA and Michelle Jaff, son-in-law Kosar Jaff, and grandsons Evin and Arin Jaff of Kirkland, WA; and a close friend Jenny Raduenz of Madison, WI. He was preceded in death by his father, James P. McCormick in 1950; his mother, Gertrude (Kastelic) Klobuchar in 2007; and his step-father Frank A. Klobuchar in 1969.

McCormick lived a life rich with family, friends, and a career devoted to making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities. A celebration of life will be held at The House of Refuge in Jensen Beach, FL. Burial will be in the McCormick family plot in Lake View Cemetery, Calumet, Michigan. At his request, memorials should be made to the James McCormick Scholarship Fund at The Boys & Girls Brigade, 109 W Columbian Avenue, Neenah, Wisconsin, 54956.