James Elbert “Mac” McCormick

06/17/1929 — 04/09/2009

From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Spokane, WA

James Elbert “Mac” McCormick

James Elbert "Mac" McCormick went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 9, 2009. He was born in Spokane, WA to Charles and Margery McCormick on June 17, 1929. He graduated from Harrington High School in 1946. Jim attended Eastern Washington University and Kinman Business University where he earned his degree in business. After college, he worked for the fledgling KHQ television station in Spokane where he was an administrative assistant.

In 1948 Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he achieved the rank of Chief. His 29 years included tours in the Suez Canal 1956 and Vietnam on the USS Coral Sea 1964. He received numerous awards and commendations: 7 Good Conduct Awards, 2 National Defense Service Medals, 4 Vietnam Service Medals, and a Navy Unit Commendation. From 1971 to 1974, Jim became the first Navy enlisted man assigned as agent cashier for the country of Taiwan. He also worked as a recruiter for the Navy in Lynnwood from 1974 to 1977.

After leaving the Navy, Jim ran many of the Washington State Veteran�s programs in eastern Washington and was named National Veteran of the Year for the American Legion 1993, National Veteran of the Year for the Disabled American Veterans DAV 1996 and three time Veteran of the Year for Washington State. He was a lifetime member of the DAV and the Fleet Reserve Association.

Jim loved networking with his Navy buddies, family, and friends. He continued to fight for the rights and benefits of veterans nationwide sending letters to congressmen and state representatives. In 2007 he attended a reunion of his USS Coral Sea shipmates. Mac touched many lives in his 79 years; his heart was as big as the oceans he sailed and he will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Don and Lynn McCormick and is survived by his wife of 39 years Lorraine, his children: Ric Pat McCormick, Debbie Gonzales, Teresa Joe Goodnight, Vince McCormick, Tamera Phil Squire, and Lyle McCormick, his grandchildren: Christopher, Alexander, Sol, Felice, Matthew, Tyler, Justin, Kyle, Joseph, Jamie and Devin, and his great-granddaughter Isabella, his brother Carol McCormick, and sisters Janet Miller and Elsa Bill Miller.

In recent years, Jim worked with the state legislature to provide for a veteran�s cemetery in Eastern Washington. At the request of the Washington State Department of Veteran�s Affairs, Jim is scheduled to be one of the first veterans interned at the Eastern Washington Veteran�s Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA upon it�s opening, Memorial Day weekend 2010.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the local chapter of the Disabled American�s Veterans, Tri-Cities Chapter 46 and Auxiliary, P.O. Box 6832, Kennewick, WA 99336

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James Elbert “Mac” McCormick

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  • My deepest condolences to Lorraine and family. I will really miss his jokes and e-mails. Mac and I served onboard the USS Coral Sea and in VAH-2. He could bring you a smile and always had a great out look. He was a true shipmate.

    Dave Eastman

    David R. Eastman
    November 4, 2014
    Orion, MI, US
  • Just read about Mac’s passing…what a shock. My sincere condolences to Lorraine and the kids. I remember Lorraine, Tammy, and Lyle during Mac’s time with the Colville Job Service. He was the DVOP and I was the LVER…even though I was his supervisor, we were a true team in our efforts to help the veterans of our tri-county area…one of the largest geograhic areas in the state of Washington with the largest Viet Era population. Jim liked to provide the donuts for our staff meetings and breakroom. He was always jovial and had a joke or an amusing story to tell….for instance going to a training camp and meeting Ty Cobb!!!

    Jim Wallace
    November 4, 2014
    Hauser, ID, US
  • My grandfather was a great man, I was a lucky person to be able to spend as much time with him as I did. I will miss him so much.

    Felice Stivers
    November 4, 2014
    Auburn, WA, US
  • To Lorraine & Family. We are sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.

    I was privileged to serve with Mac in the Navy. We were stationed together in Hatron Two at NAS Whidbey Island and also aboard the USS Coral Sea. We became shipmates and close friends. I still have fond memories of the times we spent together on liberty as young sailors.

    I believe you can tell a lot about a person’s integrity by the way they interact with other people. Mac was an extraordinary man with lots of character. He treated everyone with respect and kindness. He made us laugh. People always spoke so highly of him and the earth has lost a wonderful soul. I know that a man like Mac is seated in a heavenly place with his ears turning red from all the awesome things people are saying about him!

    Love,

    Bill & Anne Laux
    November 4, 2014
    San, Leandro, CA, US
  • Hey Dad-

    Words cannot express how deeply sad I am – I’ll miss cooking for you and our long conversations. You are truly “fine”

    I love you.

    Teresa

    Teresa Goodnight
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, WA, US
  • It was an important day in my life when we met professionally, but all pale in comparison to the day I was able to call you Dad. I miss your quick smile which brightened the darkest room, your broad shoulders that always had room for other’s burdens, and your heart that never denied anyone. I miss you Pop.

    Phil Squire
    November 4, 2014
    Kennewick, WA, US
  • Dad, already I miss you like crazy. I love you – remember this for all eternity. I do know that you can walk easier, are in no pain and have a lot of good company up in heaven. It makes me feel better to know this

    Debbie Gonzales
    November 4, 2014
    Seattle, WA, US
  • Our deepest sympathy to Mac’s family

    He was a dear friend who we will miss very much.

    Keith & Katy Snyder
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Thanks Dad for all the love over the years. I’m a better man because of you.

    Vince McCormick
    November 4, 2014
    Bothell, WA, US
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