James “Mac” McCarthy

Aug 31, 1947 - Mar 9, 2025 - (Age 77)

While serving with the Waukegan Police Department, Mac joined the Blue Knights in 1987 as a member of Illinois Chapter X (IL-X). He later became chapter president, a position he held until IL-X disbanded in January 2016. At that time, Mac and the four remaining members transferred to our chapter, Wisconsin Chapter XI (WI-XI). In 2017, he was appointed Road Captain, and in 2020 was elected chapter president—a role he served with commitment and enthusiasm until his passing on March 9, 2025.

Mac and his wife Mary were active participants in the Blue Knights community, traveling extensively to attend state, regional, and national conferences. During his time with IL-X, Mac helped establish a semiannual tradition with Wisconsin Chapter VI—the “Crying Towel Classic”—a fun-filled gathering centered around the Packers-Bears rivalry. The event quickly became a favorite among members and remains a cherished part of Blue Knights camaraderie.

Click for full size photos

Mac’s Obituary

James Francis McCarthy II, better known as “Jim” or “Mac” to some, born August 31, 1947, took his last breath too soon on March 9, 2025, at home. He was 77 years young and spent these 77 years loving his family as a son and brother, then as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather in his 55 years of marriage to Mary.

James is survived by his loving wife, Mary McCarthy, a.k.a. “Mrs. Mac”, of 55 years, and his two daughters, Dawn McCarthy-Moragne and Meggan McCarthy. He will forever be cherished and remembered by his six grandchildren, Brittany, Leiana, Christopher, Emaleigh, Alyssa, and Malakai, and three great-grandchildren, Rickey, Aaleyah, and Jay’Ceon. He is also in the hearts of his younger brother Dennis (a.k.a. “Big Buckaroo”) and his nieces and nephews, Lynn, Clint, Brian, and Daelan

James is succeeded by and greeted at Heaven’s gates by his parents, James and Mary Dee, as well as his siblings, Jeannie, Brian, and Maureen. He will be meeting his daughter, Sheila, for the first time and reuniting with his grandson, Deangelo. He will also be with his nephew Forrest.

Mac spent 27 years as an officer dedicated to his community in Waukegan, IL, serving from September 1970 to September 1997, evolving over time to badge number 001 “P1.” During this time, he made many friends with whom he shared his life. He guided people out of trouble and kept his family and community safe in every way he could.

Upon retiring, he started his own licensed private investigation business. He always loved his work. James was a large part of Emerald Society, a group for Irish-American police, and the Blue Knights, a group for Law Enforcement motorcyclists. He took great pleasure in watching detective shows with Mary and pointing out inaccuracies in the processes involved.

James also enjoyed his weekly cribbage with friends and nights at Jester’s bar, enjoying the food, a cold bottle of Miller Lite, and the people there. He was on a bowling league at Sunset Bowl for many years.

At home, he would pretend to be upset with Mary for feeding the birds, but he eventually started investing in hummingbird feeders that he could watch while eating at his dining table, and it became another one of their many shared joys. He enjoyed his outdoor time, attending his annual fishing trip (for over 20 years) to Larsen’s resort in Northern Wisconsin along with his buddies from Green Wood Automotive. He also enjoyed spending weekends at his camper, supervising his family doing yard work, and keeping good company.

His family called him “Grumpy Grandpa,” but he had the softest heart for his loved ones. He showed up at every minor inconvenience to be there for them and help in any way he could.

James passed knowing that the Chicago Cubs had won a World Series in his lifetime and that the Chicago Bears had won the last game against the Green Bay Packers that he’d seen. After many years, the tradition of the “Crying Towel” finally rests in the opposing teams' hands as he will forever remember it.

There are so many things James was and loved, but he is P1 forever in his community, and number one in his family's hearts.

Cowritten by his grandchildren, Emaleigh and Brittany