James B. McEvoy, 85, most recently a resident of Preswick Glen in New Hartford, passed away on November 5th, while in the care of his family in West Lebanon, NH. He was born on May 20, 1931, in Utica, the fourth of five children born to the late Anthony and Margaret Burns McEvoy. Jim graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School and then entered the army. He was a graduate of Mohawk Valley Community College and Utica College. In 1991 Jim retired after a 40-year career as an engineer at the Rome Air Development Center, Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, NY. From the art and architecture of Utica to the solitude and beauty of Adirondacks, Jim had a love affair with Central New York.

On February 13, 1960, Jim married Catherine M. Black at St. Francis de Sales Church in Utica. They made their home in Whitesboro, before moving to New Hartford in the early 1970s. Together they enjoyed skiing, golfing, bird watching, and star gazing, in addition to raising their three children. Jim was a dedicated planner and fundraiser in the effort to build the New Hartford Recreation Center in the 1970s. He also spent many hours coaching Little League Baseball in Whitesboro, and coaching girls' softball teams and forming a summer high school softball league in New Hartford in the early 1980s.

Jim was a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus and a fan of Utica College hockey. He enjoyed chess and loved playing bridge with area groups and at Preswick Glen. His generosity spanned causes including the church, education, and social justice. Jim had a keen intellect and a wry sense of humor. He enjoyed discussing anything from science to politics and enjoyed reading history, as well as chess and bridge strategy books. He loved taking his grandkids fishing and cheering them on at their sports and extracurricular events whenever he had the chance. Jim also gave generously of his time and experience as a literacy volunteer to Cambodian immigrants and later Russian immigrants in Utica.

Jim is survived by his son James P. McEvoy, daughter-in-law Jody Barranco, and grandson Shane, of New Orleans; his daughter Mary Beth Miniter, son-in-law Bryan, and granddaughters Janelle and Jessica, of Roswell, Georgia; and his daughter Deborah A. Herndon and son-in-law Timothy and grandchildren Lydia, Nathanael, Zachariah, and Emma, of West Lebanon, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his brother Edward T. McEvoy of Clinton; his sister Julie Peters and brother-in-law Frank of Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Cathy; sister Ann M. McEvoy; and brother A. Richard McEvoy.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, November 18, at 11 am, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro.