James R. McCarthy died in his home on Vashon Island Feb. 27, 2002. He was 81 years old.

Mr. McCarthy was born May 23, 1911, in Spokane, Wash., on May 23, 1911, the eldest of four children. His father was a prominent railroad figure.

Mr. McCarthy attended Gonzaga University and was the team captain and coach of the Gonzaga University Track Team, where he was a champion hurdler.

He married the former Marguerite Wehmeier 63 years ago in Spokane. It was the first and only marriage for both.

Mr. McCarthy served as a bomber electrician during World War II.

Following the war, he was self-employed in real estate and finance.

He and his wife raised their family of three children in Spokane and their summer home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

They were were avid boaters; he and Marguerite moved to Vashon Island where they lived for nearly 23 years. For part of that time, he worked with his son at Inflatable Boatworks in Seattle.

He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club in Spokane and Tacoma and the Port Orchard Yacht Club. The two frequently hosted family gatherings of their children and great grandchildren at their homes on Vashon and in Coeur d’Alene.

Survivors include his wife, three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services were on Vashon with burial in the Riverside Cemetery in Spokane.

Arrangements were entrusted to Island Funeral Home.