Obituary of James McCarthy

It is with great sadness that the family of Jim McCarthy announces his peaceful passing on Friday, January 18, 2019. With great love, we remember his well-lived life. Jim was born on Feb. 13, 1944 in Ludlow, N.B., the son of Fred McCarthy of Ludlow and Gladys McCarthy (Price) of Priceville N.B. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Earl “Duke” Price and sister-in-law Georgina, and his sisters Myrtle Palmer (Percy) and Mary Munn. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Nancy (Washburn) McCarthy, daughter Mel McCarthy, son Nick McCarthy (Amy Beswarick), and grandchildren Reid and Lauren, in Fredericton. He is also survived by sister Margaret “Babs” Granter (Scott) of Burton, N.B., sister-in-law Sandra Washburn in Fredericton, brother-in-law Fred Washburn (Valerie) of Penticton, B.C., brother-in-law Hedley Munn of Nauwigewauk, N.B., as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by a few “adopted” family members, including second mother Jackie Webster, second son Kevin Lunn, second daughter Melissa Hargrove, and Oscar the family dog. Jim and Nancy always had a spot at their table or a seat on the deck for family and friends. Gatherings in their beautiful back yard on the Nashwaak River were a highlight of summertime. Potluck feasts on folding tables in Jim’s garage became another tradition shared with much love and laughter. Jim often spoke fondly of his early years growing up on the Miramichi River. He was curious about the world around him, from history and politics to social issues. His greatest interest, however, was in people and their stories, and it showed in how he interacted with others. Those who knew Jim remember his big smile, his kindness and quick wit, and how lucky they felt to know him. He always made time to help someone fix their car, replace a tap, or build a deck. Jim and Nancy spent many years during their early retirement working side by side on endless renovations to Nick and Mel’s starter houses. When their first grandchild, Reid, was born in 2010, their focus shifted to grandparenting. Reid and his Poppy shared a special bond, including a love of John Deeres. Reid was Poppy’s shadow, and could usually be found helping Poppy with various building and yard work tasks around the house, garage, and property. He has many great memories to share with little sister, Lauren, who didn’t get to know her Poppy well while he was here. As a young man, Jim worked in the woods with his father. Wanting a different kind of life for himself and his fiancée, Nancy, he moved to Fredericton to work as a reporter, then photographer with the Daily Gleaner, covering local stories for many years until the entire newsroom staff was fired by its new owners. He began working as a communications officer at the New Brunswick Information Service in the 1980s, then became director and oversaw its eventual transition into Communications New Brunswick. As head of editorial and then web services at CNB, he led the move from a wire-based news service to the current web-based program, improving the delivery of communications to the public. In his work life, Jim was a gifted photographer, writer, editor, and communicator, leading by example with his quiet, constant support and good humour. He helped to mentor a new generation of communicators by creating an atmosphere that allowed them to be creative and professional, and to have fun. He encouraged hard work and learning, always reminding them of the importance of public service. Jim spoke fondly of many of his own mentors, especially lifelong friends Jackie Webster, Harry Mullin, and Harry Nason. Jim’s greatest legacy is his family, including his extended family of friends and neighbours. He shared his tIme and talents with many people, and they in turn are carrying forward Jim’s gifts in their own personal and professional lives. Jim lives on, in so many ways. The story continues. The family would like to request that people bring or send written stories, memories, Jim jokes, photos, etc to help create a memory book for Jim’s grandchildren. An Irish wake will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24 at Picaroon’s Roundhouse, and we welcome people to come raise a glass and share in their favourite Jim stories. On Friday from 2-4 p.m at York Funeral Home, a celebration of life will happen, with more opportunities to share our stories. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the York Foundation Birch Grove or the Alzheimer’s Foundation