Obituary: James Joseph 'Jim' McCaughey

from the Beecher Funeral Home

James Joseph “Jim” McCaughey passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024. Known as Seamus to many, he was born June 10, 1939 to Frank and Ellen (McElroy) McCaughey. Seamus grew up on Analore Street in Clones, County Monaghan, the eldest of nine - seven boys and two girls. He left Ireland just shy of his 18th birthday, arriving in New York in May of 1957, where he was welcomed by his Aunt Agnes McKenna and became a brother to the nine McKenna siblings.

A few months later, through his Aunt Rosie Donaghey, he was introduced to another “greenhorn”, Seamus Askin, and a lifelong friendship was formed. His brother Frank followed in 1959 and the trio had many adventures together in their new homeland.

Jim served in the US Army as a military police officer, stationed in Weisbaden, Germany. He proudly joined the New York City Police Department in 1963, serving as a patrolman in the Bronx (the 41 and the 52 Precincts, known as “Fort Apache”) for 20 years.

In February of 1973, at McGuinness’ Pub in the Bronx, he was introduced to Mary Ellen “Ellie” McCarthy. Ellie’s mother was not impressed when she first met Jim. He told her he was saving his money to return to Ireland and buy a farm and that didn’t sound like someone who was serious about her daughter! Luckily for us, fate kept him in America and Jim and Ellie were married in September 1973. They moved to the Bronx before settling in Brewster, NY in 1975.

Jim was a devoted father and grandfather, taking immense pride in all of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Seamus was a loving brother and brother-in-law, as well as a wonderful uncle and cousin (the McElroy cousins alone numbered over 70!). He was a loyal friend who could be counted on for assistance at a moment’s notice. Jim was a faithful servant of God - for over 40 years he attended the 11 am mass at St. Lawrence where he served as an usher and happily sang off-key.

Jim was a dogged worker, instilling the importance of hard work in each of his children. After retiring from the NYPD he drove a school bus (and told his 3 kids they were louder than a whole bus full of kids) and spent a few weeks at the US Postal Service (he thought it would be great to have 2 pensions) before becoming a chauffeur.

At the encouragement of his father-in-law Jack McCarthy, he purchased a limousine and founded Aster Limousine in 1985. Long before Waze, Jim knew the best route in and out of New York City at any given day or time. He had incredible patience and the “gift of the gab”. We often thought his customers called on him for the stories as much as the rides.

As a young family, the McCaugheys camped at beaches up and down the east coast and Jim loved the sound of the ocean, the warm sun on his face and a good book. He never forgot where he came from, taking his family back to Ireland as often as he could and ensuring his kids were close to their Irish family. He and Ellie loved to cruise and enjoyed many great voyages over the years.

Jim loved his family fiercely. He couldn’t do enough for them and “Let me help you” was his most often-heard tagline. He was predeceased by his wife Ellie and is survived by his children: Eileen (Michael Bliss) of Annandale, VA, James (Kathleen Courtney) of Stratford, CT and Patrick (Heather Nicholls) of Brewster, NY; grandchildren: Ciaran, Maeve and Brendan Bliss, Ceili, Seamus, Teagan and Kenna McCaughey, and Liam and Molly McCaughey and siblings: Patrick (Kathleen), Sean (Maura), Ann O’Harte (Paul), Eugene (Mary) and Tony (Bridie), as well as Ellie’s siblings and their spouses: Jack (Mary) McCarthy, Patricia (Lenny) Molite, Jean (Woody) Woods and Kathleen (Tom) Morrison, his McKenna family and dozens of nieces and nephews, whom he adored.
Jim was a true gentleman, an incredibly kind and caring soul and an amazing father. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides who cared for Jim these last 6 months as his dementia progressed.

Seamus was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ellen; his brothers Frank and Mickey; and his sister Bernie.

Visitation will be held at Beecher Funeral Home (1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY) on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4-7 pm. A mass of Christian burial at St. Lawrence O’Toole will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 9:30 am followed by burial at Gate of Heaven in Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Project Children (50th Anniversary “Move to Monaghan”) Make a Contribution - Project Children P.O. Box 933, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925.