Francis James McCarthy Jr.

On Thursday, May 14, 2015, Francis James “Jim” McCarthy Jr. of Springfield, VA passed away at the age of 84. He was born on Mother’s Day in Portland, Oregon to Francis James McCarthy and Cecilia Rose Hagan McCarthy.

Jim served 30 years in the Air Force after graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1954 and attained the rank of Colonel. While attending the Naval Academy, he sailed to Rio de Janiero, Brazil where he met a beautiful opera singer, Maria Gyselda da Fonseca. They married in September 1956 and enjoyed 59 years of marriage together.

In the Air Force he served as a pilot, being a tactical fighter and an Interceptor Squadron Commander. He was deployed to Spain, Germany, and bases throughout the US. He was proud of his service during the Vietnam War where he flew F-4 fighter jets and was awarded “Top Gun” in 1970 in Danang, Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, he completed a Masters of Business Economics at Claremont Business School and eventually completed his pre-dissertation requirements for a Doctor of Business Administration at George Washington University. He continued his career in the Air Force as an International Political-Military Affairs Officer, Education Training Officer and Management Staff Officer.

Jim was a member of the Army Navy Country Club where he was a passionate supporter of their swimming program. He became Chairman of the club’s Swimming Committee and President of the Country Club Swimming and Diving Association (CCSDA). For his many contributions he received the Albert Schoner Memorial Award and has the CCSDA Boys Junior Individual Medley Relay Championship Trophy named in his honor.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Maria Gyselda; sisters Theresa Horton and Jane Radke; daughters Marisa McCarthy Olszewski (Jeffrey), Janet McCarthy Puller (Duncan) and Denise McCarthy Mohler ( Rigg); and nine Grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by his brother, John McCarthy.

To celebrate Jim McCarthy’s life and legacy, visitation will be held at the Demaine Funeral Home, 5318 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA on Wednesday, May 20 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1020 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA on Thursday, May 21, at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Naval Academy Memorial Foundation, attn.: Tribute Gifts, 291 Wood Roach Rd, Beach hall, Annapolis, MD 21402-1254 (www.usna.com/page.aspx?pid=429) or the Air Force Memorial Foundation, One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA 22044 (afa.org/airforcememorial/donate).

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Great Falls, VA, on May 21, 2015. Internment, with full military honors, will take place at Arlington National Cemetary on October 9, 2015, beginning at the Old Post Chapel at 8:45 a.m.