ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel James (Jim) McCarthy, Celbridge, County Kildare. On Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 (peacefully) in the loving care of the staff at Blackrock Clinic. Beloved husband of Audrey, much-loved father of Nicola, Ben, Alison and Sean and a devoted grandfather of Sam, Roxi, Conor, Holly, Olivia and Alex (Aki). Predeceased by his wife Joyce, mother Mary, father Noel and brother Senior Petty Officer John (Naval Service). Sadly missed by his loving wife, daughters, son, stepson, grandchildren, sons-in-law Pete and Tom, daughters-in-law Gosia and Ami, brother Breffni, sisters Aileen, Jacinta and Michele, mother-in-law Teresa, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, Defence Forces comrades and many friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Jim McCarthy was born on 14th December 1956 and grew up in the Lough Parish, Cork City. In his youth he was a member of the renowned Barrack Street Band (The Barracka), where his father Noel was a prominent member. He enlisted in Óglaigh na hÉireann on 6th July 1974 as a member of 23 Infantry Battalion FCA. On 8th December 1975 Jim entered the Cadet School with 52 Cadet Class. He was commissioned on 6th December 1976 into the Infantry Corps and was posted to 2 Infantry Battalion in Cathal Brugha Barrack, Dublin. Appointments followed with McKee Barracks Camp Staff, in ‘Q’ Administration Section of the Quartermaster General’s Branch, in 2 Garrison Ordnance Company and with 7 Infantry Battalion FCA. Jim transferred to the Air Corps in 2001 and at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel held Support Staff appointments. He was Air Corps Logistics Officer with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel when he retired on 13th December 2014. Overseas Jim served with UNIFIL in Lebanon with A Company 49 Infantry Battalion from April to October 1981, and with A Company 72 Infantry Battalion from October 1992 to May 1993.
A keen student of history, Jim completed a Master’s Degree in Military History and Strategic Studies at the National University of Ireland Maynooth in 2014 – 2015.
Reposing at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Celbridge on Sunday evening (February 8th) from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Removal on Monday morning (February 9th) to Saint Patrick’s Church, Celbridge arriving for Funeral Mass at 11.00am followed by burial in Donacomper Cemetery. Jim’s funeral mass may be viewed online (live only) at 11.00am on Monday at: https://celbridgeparish.ie/webcam-celbridge
Donations in lieu of flowers to Irish Cancer Society in Memory of James (Jim) McCarthy at: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/JJ61353724/donate.html
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Jim’s death notice on rip.ie at: https://rip.ie/death-notice/james-jim-mccarthy-kildare-celbridge-620809
