Name: Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes
Address: Plainview, NY

Jim & I went to school and ran track together. He was a state champ and I was just another guy on the team. But Jim always included me in his adventures. And there were many. If we were a little too adventurous Jim had a story, his smile and laugh to get us out of trouble.
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7
Rest in peace my friend.
Mark Hanley

Jim, Jimmy, Coach, Coach Mac....to me he was Uncle Jimmy.  Jimmy was an amazing athlete and legendary track coach who accomplished unthinkable things in the track&field community but he was so many other things as well.  He was a son, a brother, a mentor, a friend, an uncle and even a great uncle.  Jimmy spent most of his life involved in track that it’s easy to forget he also was an amazing bartender who worked in bars, clubs, & country clubs all over NY.  He loved bar tending, the social life, being the life of the party with some good music and drinks.  He also was Santa to so many.  He would collect toys instead of tips during the holidays and always give to the kids.  He also loved his magic tricks! He literally would do a trick anytime/anywhere and it didn’t matter if you could figure it out or were stumped, if you saw it a million times or just once...he was magical in those moments.  His laugh was contagious, his spirit like no other.  There was no telling him no.  His free spirit and attitude would crack me and my daughter up all the time.  We had the best road trip not too long ago where he had us crying with laughter and we will treasure that always! He loved his sweets, watching a good football/baseball/basketball game with his brother Kevin, loved Florence’s home cooked meals, taking a drive to visit his sister Ann, or find him in Atlantic City! He became a man of faith later on and I hope he is finally at peace after such a long fight.  He truly will be missed by all.  We love you Uncle Jim, love always xoxo Mary&Delilah

I had the privilege of running for Coach McGlynn my junior and senior years at Lawrence. I never met a person quite like him. He knew the sport, he knew how to motivate, he knew how to connect with people. He was unfailingly cool, all the time, and it was just natural. I just randomly remembered him the other day, doing one of the magic tricks he always used to do during practice, and smiled. I’m proud to say I knew him. May he rest easy. He’s earned it.

Growing up in Bethpage in the 60s was never better than going over to the McGlynn's house to see Jim, Mom, Dad, Jim's sister and Kevin. I ran track with Kevin for years and always saw that great smile that Jim had. We ran track and had a great community of friends that will never be the same. Always so positive about life and friendship. 
Rest In Peace (RIP) my friend RIP!

Jim was my track coach for 3 years as my dad was his track coach years before.  He was always upbeat and positive, even when we didn't deserve it.  I pray for the repose of his soul and for his family.

John McCaffery
BHS '82

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  He was a Bethpage track legend.  Many a summer night I would visit their house where Kevin and I would stare in wonder at all the medals and trophies Jim had collected over the years.   From what I understand, he turned his athletic prowess into a very successful High School coaching career.  
Jim always had a smile and friendly greeting for me when I entered their house.  He was the kind of person you just wanted to be around. 
My condolences to the family.

There is so much I can say about Jimmy. 
Many statements are being sent about what a great athlete he was and I agree with all that but I grew to love  another side of him. He had such gratitude for the little things in life and knew how to express it. He loved kids. No doubt and they loved him. He always made me feel special and loved. He had great faith in God and we shared our faith together up until his last days. 
I have been so blessed to spend his Calvary with him and I know that he is in the arms of his creator with big smiles., and pain free. Well done Jim. I love you and I will truly miss you.
Florence McGlynn

Jim was Coach Fred Meder’s first state champion when he won the 220 yard dash in 1967.  He was a great teammate and the hardest worker we had on the team he lead to the Division II team title that spring.  He always smiled and had the funniest comments and was the team leader.  I have a frame gold medal that our mile relay team won at the Penn Relays that spring that he carried on his back to victory.  Jim, you were a hero and a friend to all on Meder’s Marauders.  And it is no surprise that you were a successful high school track coach when you returned to Long Island after college.  You will be missed.

We all remember Jim from Bethpage HS as a great athlete and a fun guy to be a teammate.  I hope that he had a good and generous life.

Gerry Archer 
BHS ‘68

OBITUARY

James J McGlynn

October 15, 1949 – October 3, 2023

Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation at Vernon C Wagner FH, 655 Old Country Rd. Plainview, NY

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Martin of Tours RC Ch., 200 Central Ave. Bethpage, NY 11714

Private Cremation