Obituary
Jim McNamara was born on April 24, 1930 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He died on January 3, 2016 at Halifax Hospice Care Center in Edgewater, Florida following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He attended St. Mary’s High School, Union Jr. College, and Rutgers University. He graduated from the University of Tampa and the University of Florida. He was predeceased by his son, Mark and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty, their daughter Tara, a brother John and sister-in-law Julie McNamara of New Smyrna Beach. He also leaves a brother Bill of Tampa, daughter-in-law Belinda Pena of Port Orange, and large extended family and many friends. Jim was an English and Photography teacher for 36 years, the last 33 at Englewood High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He touched many lives and once said he loved his job so much that he would be willing to work without pay. Many former students have been heard to say that Mr. Mac inspired them to choose teaching as their life’s work.
Jim was well loved for his kindness, compassion, wisdom and especially for his quick wit. He was a gifted writer and photographer. Jim enjoyed life to the fullest. He liked golf, photography, spirited debate, travel, the arts and most of all, laughter. He was an avid Gator fan and followed all Gator sports. Jim also loved his two dogs, Sophie and Delilah. He will be greatly missed and leaves a lifetime of cherished memories for all who knew him. A celebration of his life will take place in the spring. Memorials in his name may be made to Alzheimer’s Research, Halifax Hospice, or IMAGES, a Festival of the Arts, New Smyrna Beach.
Sincerely,
Carroll Hicks Miniard
EHS Class of 1969
-Tiffany Rogers Pond