Family was everything.  My mother, Caroline, was a "big sister"to Jim and he adored her.  In turn, Jim was a big brother to me and, I adored him.   He was there for me at every milestone in my life.  Over the years we spent a lot of time together because he was fun to be with.   Together we flew airplanes, rode horses, and sold cars.   He sold me my first car and was there when I went into the service.  He was there for flight school and when I returned from Vietnam with a job.  He was there for my weddings and many other events; sometimes, just to check up.  He said goodbye to my mom at her memorial.  Together over the years we bought and sold many airplanes and some classic cars.  I can't imagine Jim without Lee.  They were truly "one".  I know they are together again.  I can still hear him say: "this is a good car!"  I miss him terribly.  Larry, Johnny, and Caroline I hurt with you.

Jim qualified as a true lifelong friend. He lived with his parents on one end of our block in Los Angeles, while my family and I lived at the other end. As an adult, Jim told me he thought I was such a "cute little girl".  He earned the right to refer to me as a little girl since he was five years older and thus earned the title "one of the big boys".  He even told me he thought of my brother Bill and me as his siblings, since he never had a brother or sister of his own. 

When Jim and Lee were visiting my husband and me, I noticed what a calm disciplinarian Jim was.  He had the boys standing at attention in one corner of the dining room until they were allowed to be at ease! I suspect that type of discipline came from Jim's military training.  Any doubts that I had about Jim being a skilled parent vanished at the moment. 

Since Jim and I graduated from Los Angeles High School five years apart, our five-year reunions rolled around at the same time. It was always nice to see Jim there. 

I'm sure that Jim's calm demeanor and business skills contributed toward his ease with people and success as a business man. 

Thanks for the memories.

I have fond memories of my friendship and time with Jim and Lee. Jim and I were childhood friends, he living down the block from me on Masselin Ave in Los Angeles, CA. After my dad died when I was 11 years old I spent even more time with Jim and his dog. I was fortunate to join him at the family cabin in Big Bear where Jim gave me driving lessons. During college I worked alongside Jim “fixing up” used cars and selling them. After college we were in the Army Reserve together before family lives separated us. I enjoyed reconnecting with Jim and Lee after our families had grown spending time at the cabin near Shaver Lake and playing on Jim’s many toys. I will miss him and Lee, but cherish memories of our time together. 

Bill Olson

In loving memory of Jim, a cherished husband to Lee, devoted father to Larry (Barbara), John (Traci), and Caroline (Randy), and beloved grandfather to Sarah (Peyton, Benny), Katie, Christina, Allison, Ashley, Kyrsten, and Nicholas. Jim was an amazing man whose passion for family, dedication to his wife Lee, and love for tinkering with cars and airplanes defined him. His extraordinary kindness and warmth touched the hearts of all who knew him.

Jim also found joy in playing bridge in his free time, a hobby that brought him closer to friends and family. He cherished the family cabin, lovingly built by hand with his sons, Larry and John. 

Over the years Jim’s passion for airplanes remained unwavering. However, above all else, Jim’s greatest joy in life was Clawson and all the people who have worked there, both today and over the years. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched and the memories he created.

Thank you everyone for your kind words and love you have shared with the McKoane family over the last few days.

Love the McKoane grandkids 
      We will forever miss your hugs.. we love you alway and a bushel and peck and a hug around the neck

Jim chose me to work on his Antique cars  during my time working at Clawson Honda. He and I spent many long days and evenings working side by side on his collection. He knew my father had knowledge of 30's,and 40's cars. Jim would have me call my dad and glean information on how these old cars worked. Very special time in my career. Thank you Jim, 
David Nuckles.

OBITUARY

James Lawrence McKoane

November 8, 1932 – April 5, 2024

Boice Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services