James McInerney

James L. McInerney, 88, passed away Feb. 28, 2017. Born January 20, 1929 in Newton, Mass., to the late Kathryn L. and James F. McInerney. Jim graduated from Boston College in 1950 and began a long and successful career in merchandising and store operations in New England, N.Y., N.J. and the Midwest and arrived in Jacksonville on Valentine’s Day in 1967. He was regional manager for five Southeastern states for E.F. MacDonald Stamp Co. With sand in his shoes and teenage children, he declined a transfer to N.Y. and began an equally rewarding 25- year career in commercial real estate and as a trust real estate officer for Atlantic National Bank, later merged with First Union from which he retired as Vice President and Senior Trust Real Estate Officer in 1994.

Preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Sue McInerney, he was blessed a second time with his second wife of 31 years, Gayle G. McInerney. His blended family of four talented and successful daughters and son, along with their equally talented spouses, have brought him unending pride and joy: Susan McInerney, Beth Lewis (Mike), Joan Raiford (JR), Mayan Skenes, and Ronald Soder (Sharon). He also reserved a special place in his heart for eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He had fond memories of joining the handful of founding families of Holy Spirit Catholic Church where he served as usher, Men’s Club President, on the building committee and president of an early Parish Council before moving to the San Jose area. A genuine people person, he was a past president of the Central Civitan Club where he was known as “Joe IZUZU” for his persuasive introduction of fruit cakes to grocery stores in Jacksonville, a huge fund raiser for Civitan Charties. He and his wife and grandchildren helped deliver and display over a ton of fruit cakes every year.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 2, 2017, in the Chapel of Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 3, 2017 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 601 Airport Center Dr. East, Jacksonville, Fla. 32218. Burial will follow in Arlington Park Cemetery.

The Family wishes to offer special thanks to John Randall, Jan Perry, Irene Haywood, Jan Lasker, and the people of Community Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, Fla. 32257.