Jim McCoy – Celebration of Life
Sadly, we say goodbye to another wonderful Tanglewood neighbor.
A Boerne pillar faded away on July 31, 2023, when Dr. Jimmy E. McCoy departed for Heaven after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer’s. The disease stripped much away, but in the end, he remained a distinguished and gentle soul with a heart for helping others.
Jim McCoy was born March 12, 1942, to hard working parents, Aura Lou and Eugene McCoy. Growing up in Banquete, his world was small, defined by muddy creeks bordering dusty cotton fields that turned up arrowheads and Indian bones. Both his mind and work ethic were shaped by this close-knit life pulled from “To Kill A Mockingbird”, full of forts and exploration.
He attended Texas A&I University, where he met an outgoing pretty girl from San Antonio named Irene “Cookie” Popp. His studious nature and good looks won her over, and they were married on August 22, 1964, starting a journey that was full of risks, laughter, and love. He briefly taught in San Antonio and Corpus before pursuing medical school, graduating in the first class of UT Health Science Center in Psychiatry (1972), and then finding his niche in Family Practice, (Resident of the Year at Texas Tech in 1979).
With three young boys in tow, the couple settled in Boerne in 1981 after searching the Hill Country. Starting a medical practice was hard work, but the town embraced the new doctor with an old school mentality. Jim was driven by his own high standards for his profession and his compassion. He believed in listening fully to his patients (as his waiting room attested) and follow-up calls. Countless lives were impacted over his 35 years of practice, having a gift for uncovering ailments by following his instincts and inquisitive mind. He often found that patients simply wanted to hear his counsel during difficult seasons of their lives. In Fall, he walked the sidelines as the Greyhound team doctor, while also cheering for his own boys on the field.
Happy family times were spent hiking and fishing at their cabin in Colorado, where he blessed his grandchildren with treasure hunts, pancakes, and bedtime stories. During quiet times, Jim could be found casually reading, with multiple pens and highlighters close at hand.
Jim believed strongly in God, and in salvation offered through His son, Jesus Christ. He grew spiritually over the years until encountering God on his own road to Damascus. Jim identified with Isaiah’s imagery of mounting up like eagles, and having our names written in the palm of God’s hand. This faith was closely tied to his love of America and support for the military and our freedoms.
As the disease progressed, Boerne blended into Banquete, and his world became small again. His last few months were spent in Menger Springs memory care where, in his mind, he continued in his medical work. The wonderful staff there embraced him during his stay and even let him wear an honorary stethoscope.
Jim is survived by wife, Cookie; sons, Torin and wife Marissa (grandchildren Cole and Canaan McCoy), Evan and wife Rebecca (grandchildren Anna and Rhett McCoy), and Austin and wife Stephanie (grandchild Barrett Briggs); along with sister, Carroll Brown; and brother, Dale McCoy. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Diann.
A celebration of his life and legacy will be held on August 10, 2023, at Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home in Boerne (Viewing/Remembrances 5-7 pm), with a 12 pm funeral service at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church on August 11th (reception to follow). In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com. Arrangements with Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.
Aug10
Viewing/Remembrances
Thursday, August 10, 2023
5:00PM – 7:00PM
Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home
1265 N. Main St.
Boerne, TX 78006
A short Rosary will begin at 5:30 and a time of remembrances will follow.
Aug11
Funeral Service
Friday, August 11, 2023
12:00PM
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
202 W. Kronkosky St.
Boerne, TX 78006
Get directions
A reception will follow the service in the Cana Ballroom.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Jimmy, please visit our floral store.
Also, you may contact Cookie:
400 Mountain Spring Dr
Boerne, TX
78006
Cookie gave me permission to include her phone information.
Home Phone: 830 537 5146
Cell: 210 260 4459