James Corrigan

James Lynn Corrigan, Age 93, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, April 23, 2018. He was born in Aurora, Illinois, the eldest son of Frank and Dora (Lynders) Corrigan.

A graduate of Marmion Military Academy and Marquette University, Jim was also a member of “The Greatest Generation.” A hero to his family and his country, Jim humbly served in WWII as a B-24 navigator, radio operator and gunner. He was part of the 44th Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force and flew 30 successful missions during the war. His most memorable mission was dropping food, gas and ammunition to the paratroops across the Rhine from 50 feet. They lost 22 B-24 Liberators that day but luck was always on Jim’s side.

His sense of duty and responsibility was evident in his long and distinguished career in the paper industry, most notably with Dixie Paper, Union Camp and Sealed Air. He never lost sight of the fact that the most important measure of his success would be how he treated other people. From his family, to his friends, even strangers he met along the way, Jim was a true gentleman. His good humor, gentle nature and gracious personality could warm the coldest of hearts. He could find the humor in any situation, get people laughing and instantly put them at ease.

A parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and later, Our Lady Star of the Sea, his parents’ greatest gift to him was his Catholic faith which set the tone for his life. You could see his faith in action daily.  He lived a life of love and gratitude and considered his close-knit family to be his greatest accomplishment.

Religion, education, music, military, business, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Jim excelled in all of the meaningful, joyous things of life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Beth; his brother Joel H. Corrigan of Naples, Florida, his three daughters Katie Corrigan, Meg Corrigan (Reb), Maura England (Brad), his two sons Jim, Jr. (Roxanne) and Michael Corrigan; and six grandchildren; Bridget, Rose, Lily, Jimmy, Brady and Drew all of whom adored their “Pop Pop.”

He was predeceased by his parents, Dora L. and Frank J. Corrigan, his brother Jerome F. Corrigan and sister, Mary Ellen Gaffney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, April 27, 2018 in Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Monsignor Keith Brennan as Celebrant.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Healing the Children Florida, Inc. PO Box 608432, Orlando, FL 32860 or visit www.htcflorida.org