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James Louis McCoy
James Louis
McCoy, 84, of Medford, formerly of Malden, died Wednesday, April 14,
2004 after a courageous battle with cancer. James was born in Rockport,
IN, where he was raised and educated. He graduated as the Valedictorian
of Rockport High School's Class of 1937.
Shortly after high school he enlisted in the US Navy, where he fought in WWII.
He served aboard both the USS Langley and the USS Savannah, the latter of which
sustained heavy damage under enemy fire and lost almost 250 servicemen in
battle. After six years of service in the Navy, James was discharged at
the rank of Chief Boatswains Mate and was awarded three stars for his service
in the war.
During one shore leave, he met his sweetheart, Helen Sullivan, and the two were
soon married. After discharge from the service, he moved to the Boston
area to join Helen. The two settled in Malden, and shared almost 40 years
together until her passing in 1982.
After moving to Malden, James began his tenure as a firefighter at Logan
Airport. He worked as a fireman for 30 years, and retired as a Crew Chief
in 1980.
James was a past member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie
#893 of Malden. He was also a longtime dedicated volunteer at the Malden
Senior Center. He was an avid gardener, and would often give away
homegrown vegetables and flowers to friends and family. He was loved by
all who knew him. He was a warm, caring person who was always giving of
himself.
He is survived by his son Timothy J. McCoy and his wife Carol of Peabody, his
daughter Patricia A. Peluso and her husband Joseph of Medford, his son Robert
G. McCoy Sr. of Middleton, his sisters Esther Burkhart and Mary
Katherine Carter of Indiana, his grandchildren: Craig Peluso, Danielle Peluso,
Jason McCoy, Brad McCoy, Lauren McCoy, Robert McCoy Jr., Keri McCoy, Amanda
McCoy, and a great-grandson Joseph McCoy. He was also a very dear friend
of Netta Festa and Betty Moore.
He was preceded in death by his wife Helen (Sullivan), his parents
William and Amanda (Hammond) McCoy, and his brother Granville McCoy.
Donations in James' memory may be made to the Malden Senior Center,
200 Pleasant St., Rm. 201, Malden, MA 02148 or to Hallmark Health
Hospice, 100 Hospital Road, Malden MA 02148.
Visitation will be held at Weir MacCuish Funeral Home, 144 Salem Street,
Malden, on Friday from 4 - 8 PM.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. at Weir
MacCuish Funeral Home. Pastor Jim Cox will be officiating. Interment will
be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.
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