"I only really got to know Pat when we had Adoration together and learned through his humble regaling about his amazing life in aviation, which we shared a love for. I believe he mentioned his son Terry also flew for AA as I did in JFK for 38 years. Quite ironic. god doesn\'t make but one man the like of Pat McCarthy and we won\'t see another in our lifetimes. He was a heroic aviator, had talent, compassion for all but himself, was brave in all his battles in life and had a deep devotion to God. His faith imbued me to be more like him while he suffer his illness, He never complained, only wanting to be closer to God. What a guy! Rest up Pat, because with the wings you have now donned, God has special plans, for He will need you to be the test pilot for the new recruits. My profound sympathy to the McCarthy family on the loss of such a once in a lifetime man! How blessed we all have been just to know him."
In loving memory of
James Mccarthy
James Patrick "Pat" McCarthy, Colonel, USAF Retired, aged 84 of Paradise Valley, Arizona flew to the wild blue yonder on May 28, 2015 after a tough battle with cancer. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 19, 1930 to Emmett McCarthy and Lucille Doonan McCarthy. Pat graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Marinette, Wisconsin in 1949, earned his Bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1961 and his Master's degree in 1967 from Wayne State University. Pat was an Aviation Cadet and member of the United States Air Force pilot training class 53F. He flew 157 combat missions in Vietnam where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Pat was a poet laureate; his poem, "Prayer of the Fighter Jock", was read into the Congressional Record in 1968. He served as a below-the-zone Colonel (O-6) in the Legislative Liaison Branch at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. After retiring from the Air Force in 1973 he established the Junior ROTC program at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He earned his designation as a Certified Financial Planner and was the principal member of McCarthy & Associates, a very successful estate planning and wealth management firm. He organized numerous charitable family foundations in his philanthropic Golden Footprints program. Pat was a skilled aviator, world traveler and photography fanatic. Ultimately, Pat was a prayerful man of God, student of the Holy Bible and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is survived by his wife Helen Burton-McCarthy, daughters Mary and Anne, sons Terrence, Matthew, Michael and Paul, grandchildren Stephanie, Hannah, David, Justin, Rachel and John Paul. Pat was predeceased by his wife Thérèse Schiller McCarthy and his sister Mary McCarthy Dughi. In lieu of flowers please make a gift of your donation to Hospice of the Valley https://www.hov.org/donate 602-530-6900 or Pat's favorite charity: Tutwiler Clinic, 205 Alma Street, Tutwiler, MS 38963-0462 http://tutwilerclinic.org/help.html, 662-345-8334. Visitation will be held at Hansen Desert Hills Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254, June 3, 2015 from 5-8PM, with rosary at 7PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 11300 N. 64th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85254, June 4, 2015 at 10AM. Interment will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 23015 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024.
Tributes
"Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Anne and Mary and the McCarthy Family. Pat had such a great impact on my life and everyone he touched. I am very grateful for his mentorship and instruction in life. He and Terri were incredible role models to me. God bless you all in your pain and loss. He\'s passed from this life to life eternal with the good Lord and Terri. Love you."
"Our warmest and most sincere condolences to the surviving family of a great man. Pat is sorely missed by all the AiResearch retirees that he has helped with his outstanding investment advise that has made their retirement successful."
"Mary, With warm thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your sorrow. Darrell and Pauline Miller"
"Guy and I were saddened to hear of the death of Patrick. We admired him as a brave and respectful man and it was obvious upon meeting him that he had a strong character. Our condolences to the entire family. May he rest in peace. Pat and Guy Labelle"
"My condolences to you Mary and your family, Pat will be missed. Arnold & Vickie Ayala"
"I remember when I first met Pat. I was hesitate to go down the investment path he wanted me to go, but I believed in him. He had that way about him. He told me kindly but he told me straight. I listened and enjoyed my meetings with him and the new adventures he was experiencing. I will miss his stories and his newsletters and am forever grateful that he came into my life. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed."
"Our condolences to all the McCathy Family!"
"My condolences to you Mary and your family. Ranelle"
"Rest in Peace Patrick; you are home."
"Our Condolences to the Families of Pat McCarthy. Pat\'s smile and witty remarks will always be remembered. His direction both financial and living life has sent us down the right path in this world and we thank him with our hearts."
"It was such an honor to know Pat & consider him a friend. We met him years ago and were fortunate to continue our association with him through the years. We were there when he lost Terrie and there when he married Helen and witnessed his brave & courageous battle with this last disease. We will always remember Pat as a brave courageous and humerus person, and will miss his friendship."
"J.M.J. My prayers for the happy repose of the immortal Soul of +Mr. McCarthy. May he rest in peace. The Holy Mass will be offered for his Soul. May Jesus and Mary bless the McCarthys and all those who mourn."
"Our deepest sympathy to all of your family in the loss of your Father. Another guardian angel to watch over you. ~Dona, Andrew, Sara and Nicole"