Thomas Joseph McGivney

Thomas J. McGivney of Jacksonville Florida passed away on August 21, 2022. He was born in Pearl River New York to Peter J. McGivney and Alice D. McGivney in 1936. Tom attended and graduated from New York Military Academy in 1954. He then attended Seton Hall University in New Jersey for a year and a half before being recalled to active duty in the United States Navy in 1956. He was awarded an Honorable Discharge two years later in 1958.

During his time in the Navy, while he was stationed in Jacksonville; Tom met and married Beverly June Bloodworth in 1958. They were married for more than 60 years before her passing in 2018. During their marriage they had three children: Katherine McGivney Strickland (Horace), Linda McGivney Surrency (Robbie), and Michael J. McGivney.

After his two years in the Navy, Tom applied for and was hired by the Jacksonville Police Department in 1959. He began his career as a walking beat patrolman, later being assigned as a two-man patrol unit. After consolidation in 1968, the Duval County Sheriff’s Office merged with the Jacksonville Police Department to form the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Through his ambition and dedication, Tom promoted continuously in rank throughout his career. As a Police Sergeant in 1971, Tom started what is now the Air Unit for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. He continued to serve as the Unit Commander for the Air Unit and obtained the rank of Lieutenant while there. Tom continued his success and acquired the rank of Captain in 1985 and was assigned to the Jacksonville Police Academy as the Unit Commander. Tom held several more Command positions as Captain within the department before his retirement in 1992 with 33 years of dedicated service to Jacksonville.

Tom was an active member of the Arlington Lions Club for 45 years and held several offices during his tenure, including heading up The Arlington Eye Clinic for those in need. Tom was also an active member of the City and Police Federal Credit Union, holding several board members positions throughout the years. Additionally, Tom served on the Fire and Police Pension Board for several years as well.

Another of Toms passions was the game of golf. He and Beverly were active members of the Baymeadows Golf Club for many years before joining Hidden Hills Country Club. He was fortunate enough to have scored two holes in one while playing. He played often and with many friends through the years and enjoyed both the game and friendships.

Tom was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of Holy Spirit Church since 1969. He served as an usher there for many years. He was always active in his church, and his faith was extremely important to him.

In 2021, Tom married Mary Jo McGivney (DePotter). Together, their family grew with the addition of Jo’s four children, Trish Davidson (Ron), Chuck Davis (Amy), Allen DePotter (Trish), Albert DePotter. Together Jo and Tom enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with each other and each other’s family and friends. Tom had eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 6pm - 8 pm at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11665 Ft. Caroline Rd. Jacksonville, FL. 32225. Inurnment will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to The Arlington Eye Clinic, 6161 Arlington Expressway Jacksonville, Florida 32211