Jim was born on March 29, 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Jim also held a Masters degree in Engineering Management.
He moved to Orlando in 1968. He worked 37 years as a civilian employee for the Naval Air Warfare Center, Orlando. During his work with the government, Jim traveled extensively throughout the United States. Several of his programs took him to England, Scotland, Paris, Rome, and Saudi Arabia. After his retirement, Jim served as a consultant to the Navy for another seven years. Jim’s other interests included a love of sailing, woodworking, and traveling.
Perhaps one of his greatest joys came from his marriage to his wife Alice, whom he had known since third grade.Together they raised one beautiful, Catholic daughter, Bernadette Ann, of Winter Park, Florida. Jim and Bernadette developed an uncanny closeness which allowed them to discuss, analyze, and share many of life’s situations.
Bernadette and her husband, Patrick gave Jim his greatest blessings.These blessings came with his grandson Patrick James and his granddaughter Madeleine Marie. These wonderful children filled Jim’s retirement years with purpose, love, happiness, and companionship.
For Jim, his Catholic religion was his foundation for life. For over 40 years, he was an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church. He and Alice are founding members of this parish. Jim’s Catholic faith greatly influenced his integrity, his honesty, and his loyalty to friends, colleagues and family.
He leaves behind: Alice, his wife; his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McGinley, Winter Park; Precious grandchildren; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. George J O’Neill, Atlanta; two nephews and two nieces, Mr. and Mrs. George J. O’Neill, Atlanta, Mr. Christopher O’Neill, Atlanta, and Miss Michelle Waback, Ohio. He also leaves behind one great-nephew, Finn George O’Neill, Atlanta; Finally, he leaves behind his sister, Phillis Waback, Ohio. Jim was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Mr. Charles O’Neill.
A funeral Mass will be held for Jim on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida.