James Charles McCourt

James Charles (Jim) McCourt left this earth on Good Friday, March 30, 2018, at the age of 71, after a long valiant fight with heart disease. With his family around him, he left in peace, freed from suffering.

Jim was born and raised in El Portal, FL, attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School and Archbishop Curley High School. He then attended Miami-Dade Jr. College and University of Florida in Gainesville, earning his Business Degree. Jim became a businessman long before earning that degree, though, from paper routes as a young boy to more creative entrepreneurial pursuits like the moving company aimed at college students moving home for summer. After college, he set records with Jack-In-The-Box, opening and growing new stores on the east coast. Finally, in 1975, he took over the family business, Golden Chic BBQ . It didn’t take long to realize how profitable it would be to offer catering, and the rest is history. He never stopped working.

Jim was active for many years as a member of the Ives Estates Optimist Club and held the office of President multiple times. He gave much of his time to Annunciation Catholic School and Chaminade-Madonna High School. He was the Chairperson for the Annunciation Shamrock Festival for close to 30 years, helping to raise millions for the church and school. The number of people he has touched in his life is hard to quantify. No one will forget his “can-do” personality, fortitude, work ethic, or his hearty laughter and ability to enjoy life to the fullest.

Jim’s family has many memories and good times to look back upon. Susan, his wife of nearly 50 years, sons and daughter, Sean Ryan, Kevin James, and Amy Shannon (their partners, Aintzane, Caroline, and Darrish), grandchildren Robert, Mark, and Ava,(their dad, George Hewitt), brothers Jack, Michael, and Charles (Laura), many cherished in-laws, and eleven nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass followed by Celebration of Life will be held this Saturday, April 7th at 11 A.M., at Annunciation Catholic Church, 3781 SW 39 Street, West Park, FL 33023. In lieu of black, please wear your best Tropical/bright, cheery clothing. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Institute in Jim’s name.