James Alton McCurdy
April 21, 1942 - January 15, 2024
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James Alton McCurdy
April 21, 1942 - January 15, 2024
Obituary
James Alton McCurdy
April 21, 1942 – January 15, 2024
In loving memory of Jim McCurdy, 81, who passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sara, his children whom he adored, Katie, Lisa (Mark), Krisi (Jeff), Robbie, David (Mary), and Larry, his brother, Pete, nephews, Jim and David, his nine grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.
Jim was born to Pete and Kathryn McCurdy in Washington D.C. When he was 13 his family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He graduated from Highland High School in 1960 where he excelled in football, field and track and baseball. Throughout his life Jim enjoyed athletics. He was an excellent golfer.
After graduation from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering Jim accepted a position with Douglas Aircraft Company as an Engineer in the DC9 Flight Testing Department. In 1967 Jim was employed by United Airlines where he enjoyed a 37-year career as a Commercial Airline Pilot. Captain McCurdy flew domestic and international flights on everything from the DC6 to 747’s.
Much of Jim’s adult life was lived in Laguna Niguel, CA with his wife Sara and where they lovingly reared their daughter, Katie. His life centered around family, friends, and involvement in his faith community at Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church. When Sara went into ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church, Jim went with her serving along side in several congregations. He was a loving and devoted husband – a fun life companion who will be greatly missed.
Jim will be remembered for his gracious, engaging personality. He had an amazing sense of humor and quick wit. He loved making family and friends laugh and laugh they did. To the end he read the L.A. Times and worked the daily crossword and sudoku puzzles. He had a smile that could light up a room and gave the very best hugs ever. Jim’s strength of character, his love, his hugs, his humor will be greatly missed.
On January 30th Jim was laid to rest at Harbor Lawn Memorial Park in Costa Mesa, CA. A Memorial Service is being held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church. This service will be livestreamed on the church’s website at lnpc.org.
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: January 30, 2024 (2:00 PM)
- Venue: Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park
- Location: 1625 Gisler Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92626 - (Get Directions)
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: February 17, 2024 (1:00 PM)
- Venue: Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church
- Location: 30071 Ivy Glenn Drive Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 - (Get Directions)