James L McVoy

Captain James Leonard McVoy, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully with family present at the age of 97 on April 29, 2025, in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. He was born on December 12, 1927, to James Leonard and Florence Earle (Jordan) McVoy, descended from the Mudd & Jordan families, both of which were original settlers of Northern Alabama. He led a life marked by distinguished military service and deep dedication to his country. Captain McVoy graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School in 1959 and a Master of Science from George Washington University in 1976. Throughout his naval career, Captain McVoy served with honor and distinction, holding various command and technical positions, contributing significantly to the operational readiness and engineering excellence of the U.S. Navy as Inspector General for NavCom. His leadership and commitment were recognized through numerous commendations and awards.

After retiring from active duty, Captain McVoy split his time between work in The Pentagon and various Washington DC organizations, professional naval engineering organizations and his beloved Birmingham community. He was especially devoted to the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) where he was Executive Director and Editor of the Journal. His presence will be greatly missed throughout the many organizations with which he was active including Birmingham Rotary Club, the Naval Academy Alumni Association, his favorite coffee house and many other groups. His ability to captivate a group with his stories, wisdom and wit will be missed by all who knew him.

Captain McVoy was preceded in death by his father, James, his mother, Florence and his brother William. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth McVoy Lipscomb, his niece, Dorothy Elizabeth Lipscomb, nephews, James McVoy Lipscomb and Charles Stuart Lipscomb, six great nephews and nieces, as well as many extended family and dear friends. His legacy of service, leadership and kindness will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services to honor Captain McVoy’s life will be held at St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama at 11:00am on Tuesday May 13th preceded by a Military Burial at 9:30 at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a veterans’ charity of your choice in Captain McVoy’s memory.