James "Jim" William McCarthy

James “Jim” William McCarthy, age 78, passed away November 19, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on June 15, 1947, and grew up in Ironton, Ohio, where he was a 1965 graduate of Ironton High School.

Following high school, he attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business administration in 1969 and a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1972. After his time at Ohio State, he served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge with the final rank of Captain. His professional career began as a Page at the Ohio Senate and then as an Opinion Writer with the Ohio Attorney General’s office. He then practiced corporate law for 26 years with Ponderosa Restaurants and later as VP and General Counsel for Metromedia Restaurant Group. After his legal career, he found success as a residential Real Estate agent over the next 25 years prior to retirement. He also took pleasure as an Usher for many concerts and sporting events at the Jerome Schottenstein Center at Ohio State.

In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling especially to Hilton Head Island, SC. He was also an avid and very active sports fan, attending hundreds upon hundreds of games and events. His main passion with athletics was his support of The Ohio State Buckeyes, especially Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Football, and Ice Hockey, and was a past president and member of The Rebounders Club.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mildred McCarthy. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce; Son Andrew (Jenna); Brother Steve (Ann); Sister Joanne Ackerman (Dave); sister-in-law Donna Ritchie, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jim’s name to the St Jude Children’s Hospital.

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