James “Jim” Elmer McCarthy age 95. Beloved husband of Sue C. (Pendley) McCarthy. Loving father of James D. McCarthy (Judy) and Christine E (McCarthy) Cramer (Tom). Cherished grandfather of Bradley T. Cramer (Sarah) and Kathryn “Katie” S. Cramer.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Edna (Swanson) McCarthy. Also preceded in death of his nine siblings. Brothers Rodger, William, John and Charles McCarthy and sisters Joyce Cappaert, Dorothy Koschka, Lorraine Oaldon, Marlene McCarthy and Lenore Vietzke. Proud uncle of many nieces and nephews of his beloved brothers and sisters.

Jim was born on September 19, 1931 in Escanaba, Michigan. He was proud of his Irish and Swedish heritage. He had just celebrated his 95th birthday. He passed away on September 22, 2026.

After high school graduation, Jim enlisted in the National Guard for one year and then enlisted in the Army for two years. He was stationed in Alaska for the Army during the Korean War. After the Army, he spent the rest of his career in retail management. Jim met the love of his life in the retail business. Jim was in management and Sue worked in the office. He liked her so he would go into the office and ask her if he could borrow a pencil. This was the start of their beautiful love story that lasted over 68 years. They settled their family in the Chicago area where they enjoyed many years of retirement. Some of Jim’s hobbies were antiquing, collecting old milk bottles, helping Sue landscape their yard and later he loved collecting Hot Wheels cars (over 7,000). Since 2011, Jim and Sue were well known celebrities at Culver’s in New Lenox, Illinois.

Jim was the best role model, he was the best husband to his wife Sue. They had a beautiful marriage and they adored each other. He was the best Dad to Jim and Chris. They feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful dad. He was the best Poppie to Brad and Katie. Poppie loved and adored his grand kids and spent so much time with them. Jim was the best story teller and loved to joke. He had the best sense of humor. He was such a kind, gentle and caring soul. He was truly part of the Greatest Generation. Because of his love of God and the Christian man he was, we are comforted in knowing that we will see him soon again some day. A visitation will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd. New Lenox, IL on Monday September 28, 2026 from 4-8pm. Chapel service will be the following morning at 11:30am. Interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, IL