James Mark McCoy
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Ret)
July 30, 1930 – July 13, 2022
Age 91
James M. McCoy lived an extraordinary life on multiple fronts. Born in Creston, Iowa, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. He rose through the ranks and in 1979 was selected as the sixth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, the highest-ranking enlisted position in the service. Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1981, he joined Mutual of Omaha as vice president of military sales. He remained an active volunteer serving our country, mentoring countless Airmen and veterans. He became the first former enlisted member to be president and chairman of the Air Force Association. The Airman Leadership School at Offutt AFB is named after him. In 2021 he was awarded the Air Force Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
“CMSAF McCoy was a patriot of unparalleled honor and dignity,” current Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass wrote in a letter to the Air Force community. She called him a “giant who elevated our Air Force and our Airmen. He will be deeply missed by all.”
The Offutt AFB James M. McCoy Airman Leadership School mourned his passing but said his legacy will live on in the lives of Airmen past, present and future. In a Facebook post, the school said: “Chief McCoy, we will keep moving forward through the path you helped pave. Thank you for your leadership, we will take it from here.”
Throughout his career he was blessed with the love of his life, his co-pilot and wife, Kathy McCoy. Devout Catholics, they raised a family while serving on multiple bases across the world. No matter how busy the nomadic work life was in service to our country, Jim and Kathy made home life a priority.
As their eight children dispersed across the country and started their own lives as adults, a tradition began with regular family reunions. “Grandpa and Grandma” hosted these happy gatherings with food and fun. The former CMSAF used his John Deere riding mower pulling excited grandchildren around the yard in a trailer, and then led a family golf tournament. Jim and Kathy were front and center in the reunion photos wearing Nebraska red shirts.
These reunions, guided by their love, kept the growing family close across the miles. The 2022 family reunion was scheduled to coincide with his 92nd birthday on July 30. He died 17 days short of his birthday in Papillion, Nebraska. In his memory, the family reunion will go on as a celebration of life for a Husband, Father, Airman and Leader who will never be forgotten.
Preceded in death by son Michael McCoy; parents James and Mabel McCoy; sisters Genevieve, Martha, Nancy, Carol, and Kathleen; brother Quentin.
Survived by wife of 70 years Kathleen; of Papillion, children Debbie Paxton (Jay), Jim McCoy (Louise), Teresa Cloughesy (Mike), Barb Branco (Allen), Steve McCoy (Barb), Matt McCoy, and Tom McCoy (Traci); grandchildren John, Andrew and Carolyn Paxton, Kelsey and Jimmy McCoy, Michael and Kathleen Cloughesy, Allen, Scott and Taylor Branco, Stephen and Dave McCoy, Michael, Megan, Anna, Oliver and Nichole McCoy, Thomas, Danielle and David McCoy, 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.
Visitation: Thursday, July 28, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., at St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12330 South 36th Street, Bellevue.
To view video of the Vigil Service, click the link below:
https://boxcast.tv/view/james-mark-mccoy-fxai4fezt5qstn3p5up9
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, July 29, 10:30 a.m., at St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church.
To view video of the Mass, click the link below:
https://boxcast.tv/view/james-mark-mccoy-cmnlsfzr6bwpjeuscjfy
Interment: Friday, July 29, 2:00 p.m., at Omaha National Cemetery.
To view video of the Committal Service, click the link below:
https://boxcast.tv/view/live-broadcast-klelvjubkiq5jyxclebr
Military Honors: United States Air Force Honor Guard
To view video of the Fly Over, click the link below:
https://boxcast.tv/view/live-broadcast-phshhcarwdl3dngqbbjr
To view video production of the service from the 55th Wing Public Affairs Office, click the link below:
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/852789/cmsaf-6-mccoy-memorial-service
To view video production of the committal service from the 55th Wing Public Affairs Office, click the link below:
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/853939/chief-master-sargent-air-force-james-mccoy-interment
Memorials suggested to Offutt Chiefs Group (Airman Leadership School), Attn: CMSgt Annika L’Ecuyer, 205 Looking Glass Avenue, Suite 135, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 or St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12330 South 36th Street, Bellevue, NE 68123.
5 Comments
CMSAF#6 McCoy was a man of honor, patriotism, faith, and family. He was a friend of the family for almost 60 years. He was the true definition of a friend to my father, CMSAF#5 Bob Gaylor. His devotion to his wife, Kathy, and his family was paramount. His contributions to the Air Force will have great impact as long as there is a U.S.A.F. May the soul of Jim McCoy through the mercy of God rest In peace and may perpetual light shine upon him. My condolences to Mrs. Kathy, a very sweet lady, and the entire Jim McCoy family. May God bless you during this time of grief.
CMSAF Jim McCoy was AND IS a Warrior for America and now for God. He was a was a man who had devout integrity and loyalty to his friends, family and country. He never stopped serving and caring. I have always valued the Chief’s input when I was making important decisions. He always gave well thought-out answers, minus the BS. We have truly lost a great man and Seevant-Leader. God has a special place prepared for him. Thank you sir for all your help and shared wisdom over the years.
To the McCoy family,
May Gods’ blessing be with you. CMAF McCoy was a compassionate and caring man, may his memory live forever.
V/R
Wendy Stephens
My sincere condolences to Kathy and the McCoy family. I knew Jim through volunteering at the
Veterans Home. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Matt & Family, our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. With time, we hope the warm memories of him bring you comfort and you always feel his pride and love. Thinking of you at this heavy time.
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