James B. McIntosh

James “Jim” Boyd McIntosh Jr., 74, of Columbus, Ohio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all. Forever optimistic, he had a zest for life and always put his best foot forward serving others in the community through his faith in Christ, most recently with Dwell Community Church.

Jim was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 9, 1950, to Frances Glading and James B. McIntosh. He attended The Dexter School and The Noble and Greenough School in his early education. In the summer of 1967, he moved with his family to Columbus, Ohio when his father took the position as President of the Midland Mutual Life Insurance Company. After graduating from Columbus Academy in 1969, Jim went to Lafayette College to earn his B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology.

He met the love of his life, Louise Lindenberg Kent when their mothers arranged for them to be travel companions from Bexley to their respective colleges. What began as a friendly favor blossomed into a deep and enduring love. The two wed on May 26, 1973, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and they were married for 52 wonderful years. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and countless memories.

A jack of all trades, Jim attended Capital University for his MBA and followed his father’s insurance legacy in Columbus. Much of his career was at MetLife in NYC, where the family resided in Summit, New Jersey. At MetLife he excelled as VP/Director of Quality Management in Pensions. His expertise won him national recognition as a Malcolm Baldrige Quality Examiner where he contributed to setting a national standard for performance excellence.

Living a life of service to others, inspired by his middle daughter Kathryn, Jim became a pioneer in advocating for the disability community. He served on the boards of The ARC of the United States, Plan New Jersey, and ARC NJ. He was also a proud member of Best Buddies.

Jim found his greatest joy in his family. He encouraged the next generation to pursue their passions, always offering a listening ear and wise advice. As a father, he was encouraging, supportive, and proud of his children’s accomplishments. A doting “Grampa Jim” to three cherished grandchildren, who relished in his youthful energy. He was delighted to spend time with them and watch them grow.

Those who knew Jim will remember his warm presence, quick wit, his unwavering sense of integrity, and unquenchable appetite for learning and understanding. He had a gentle demeanor and generous spirit, always ready to lend a hand or share a kind word. He had exceptional taste in music, inspired by his mother’s love, with a song for every occasion. To the end, he would remind us all to “Keep the Faith.”

He is survived by his loving family, who will continue to honor his memory. In addition to his wife, Louise, he leaves behind his three daughters and their families: Elena and Josh Gallon of Golden, CO, and their children, Chapin and Jacob; Kathryn McIntosh of Grandview, OH; and Margaret McIntosh and her husband, Jordan Ervin, of Morgan Hill, CA, and their daughter, Lenora. He is also survived by his two sisters, Gaye McIntosh Ludwig of Vero Beach, FL/NYC, and Linda McIntosh of Dedham, MA/Vero Beach, FL; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families: Chad Carr, Lauren Larsen, Brian Carr (Kati), Jack Ludwig (Kelly), Julia Ludwig-Igoe (Dan), Amelia Whalen, and Zachary Whalen.

Jim is preceded in death by his eldest sister Judith McIntosh Carr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Baldrige Foundation or Best Buddies International in Jim’s memory.