In 1986 Mac was the Leading Petty Officer for ST-5’s Alfa platoon, and I was lucky enough to be Mac’s OIC.  I couldn’t have asked for or received a better LPO than Mac – he was always squared away both personally and professionally, he was a guy I could count on to get the job done properly.  He led by example and wasn’t afraid to chew someone’s ass if things weren’t getting completed in accordance with his high standards.  Mac always projected a positive demeanor no matter the level of task-difficulty, always had a good joke or sharp retort to throw at those who needed it, and when they needed it.  In addition to all that, he was a great SEAL operator. I knew Mac was a Vietnam veteran but he never bragged about his exploits on the battlefield; Mac was a decorated American hero, although you’d have to hear the stories of his exploits from other Teammates. In thinking about Mac and comparing his actions to the meaning of the words written in our SEAL Ethos, I realize “Mac was that Man” to which our Ethos speaks. Alfa platoon had a successful deployment to the Western Pacific that year, and a good portion of that success was due to having Petty Officer Jim McCarthy as platoon LPO.  Mac’s never-quit work ethic, always positive energy, stellar professionalism, and leadership gave me a tremendous amount of confidence that our platoon possessed the ability to execute successful SEAL missions when called to do so, and made me feel as though Alfa had an extra Chief in our 16-man SEAL platoon. I learned a lot from Mac, for sure a lot more than he learned from me, and I look forward to seeing Mac again at that big SEAL reunion in the sky!

  I and the Brooker family wanted to share that we are so sorry for the lose of Mac. He and the family have been great neighbors for many years. My brother Bryan back in elementary and middle school would walk with Sean coming home and would play basketball at Mac and Sues house. The block parties were fun and my Dad and Mom remembers the wonderful Christmas party there.  Mac was always friendly and I would stop to chat in front of his house coming home from work or run of erands.  Mac would be working in the garage a lot after his retirement. He did talk about his tour of Iraq some.  He is and was one of the best neighbours ever and had part of neighbourhood watch. He will be missed very much. Sincerely, Kevin and the Brooker family

I visited Mac at 3rd Surgical in Binh Thuy right after he was wounded. The nurse expressed concern for his mental outlook because of his grievous wounds. He did look bad and was in much pain even with medication, but when I busted his chops about his wounds he came right back at me in great SEAL fashion. I remember thinking "Mac is going to come thru this OK!"
He sure did! His career, life and family are a fine testament to what a SEAL and man he was. Mac personified the idea that when life throws you lemons, the heck with lemonade, break out a blender and make margaritas and share with friends. 
My most heartfelt condolences to his family.
Tom Boyhan
UDT-13,  ST-1 Charlie Platoon & Romeo Platoon

MAC you will always be remembered as a great American, Teammate and my Platoon LPO. Every time we would cross paths throughout our careers, I could always count on a great conversation and lots of laughs. You are the epitome of Someone  Special. God bless you my brother. Coop


Thank you for sharing Mac he made a difference in my life on the Strand. 

Yes, he was willing to laugh at his own in expense and just as quickly return fire. I remember one morning after ST5 PT outside the showers hearing Joe Hawes say "Hey Mac, you've been out looking for a good piece of a_ _ lately?  I didn't hear his response, but I'm certain Joe learned his lesson in that exchange. 

Great man and team mate. Godspeed, Jim!

Rest in Peace Mac!  You were a great teammate -- among the best.

Joe D

Fantastic as they come. Favorite story of yours was the one you told me about the grenade going off in your back pocket in Vietnam. 

Thanks for just being you

Fair winds and following seas Chief

Coop

The best of the best,

Rest in peace TEAM MATE

MAC was an awesome teammate, leader, and friend! As good a man as they come.
KT


I’m extremely sad to hear of Mac’s passing. No matter what, Mac always had a smile on his face and a love for his teammates. A damn funny guy with a dry  & sarcastic sense of humor. 
I know he’s skinny and running again in heaven. RIP warrior. 💔🙏🏻🇺🇸

OBITUARY

James "Mac" McCarthy

February 15, 1950 – October 18, 2019

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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