Obituary of Jim R. McGoldrick

Jim R. McGoldrick of The Villages, Florida passed away October 31, 2020. He was born August 20, 1936, the son of Raymond and Adeline McGoldrick of Hailey, Idaho. He graduated from The New Mexico Military Institute in 1955 and attended the University of Washington, a member of the PSI Upsilon Faternity. He was a graduate of the College of Mortuary Science, San Francisco, CA and owner of The Burdette Funeral Home, in Shoshone, Idaho.  He held a Bachelor of Science and Pre-Business Law Degree from the Idaho State College.  He later worked for Allstate Insurance Company, Seattle, Washington.  A move to Anchorage, Alaska lead to ownership of Orca Services, insurance adjusters, and, in turn, to the excitement of the Alyeska Pipeline field adjusting.  After the pipeline, Jim and wife, Deborah, owned and operated Orca Services, Inc., a multi-line insurance adjusting firm for over 25 years.

Jim was a loving, caring, generous man.  He gave back to his community in numerous ways.  He served as Chairman of the Board of the Anchorage Armed Services YMCA for numerous years, as such granted Honorary Life Member.  He helped create a greeting service and information area for troops and their families entering/leaving the Anchorage International Airport.  He contributed to numerous programs for the troops stationed at the Army post and Air force bases, Alaska, one of which greeted troops upon their return from overseas assignments, and the annual Salute to Armed Services Anchorage in recognition of outstanding members of all branches of the military.  He was a Corporate Member of the Alaska Chapter Association of United States Army and the Association of the United States Army, Arlington, VA. 

As Past President of the Eagle River Rotary, he helped develop their downtown park, and supported numerous fund raisers.  Jim was a member of The Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Anchorage, Alaska, and member over 30 years of Elks USA, Anchorage, Alaska Lodge.  Jim was Past President, Anchorage, Alaska Adjusters Association.

Jim was a 60 year Master Mason.  Past Master, Eagle River Lodge #13, Thrice Illustrious Master, Thrice Illustrious Masters Council of  Alaska,  Past Masters Association of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alaska;  Past Worthy Patron, Denali Chapter # 16 Order of the Eastern Star; member Al Aska Shrine; Lifetime member Red Cross of Constantine Alaska; Alaska Conclave representative to the Annual Assembly United Grand Imperial Council, Boise, Idaho; member Anchorage  and Mat-Su Valley York Rite; Past Eminent Commander Knights Templar, Alaska Past Commander's Association; Excellent Companion Order of High Priesthood of Alaska; Lifetime member Royal & Imperial Order of The Galluses of Alaska; member Masonic Lodges, Hailey, Idaho,  Boise, Idaho and A&A Scottish Rite, Boise, Idaho. Supporter of Alaska Masonic Research Association.

First and foremost Jim was his wife, Deborah's, loving companion; her protector, workmate and playmate.  He loved his family and was true to his friends.  Thankfully, he left us with thousands of memories to hold in our hearts and ease the pain of his loss.  Jim loved animals and they, in turn were faithful friends; from good ole McTavish, who when he saw Jim's open suitcase, jumped in; his parakeet, Bitten who wandered across his desk and took bites out of his reports, to his Cockatoo, Ruffles, few others could handle;  to his, now missing  him,  yorkies, Precious Joy and Klondike. 

We all will recall his smiling face, penchant for fun, lighting the volcanic Thanksgiving Yorkshire pudding, and his infamous smoked salmon!

It is with great appreciation and gratitude to his Daughter, Chandalyn and her husband, David, who within hours of notice of his initial surgery in July drove from Onalaska, Washington to Florida and stayed for over a month of support.   Then in mid-September, David flew down to Jim's side.  He helped Deborah allow Jim the privilege and dignity to leave Rehab and come home where he belonged.  Jim often thanked David for his devoted and gentle care. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Adeline McGoldrick and first wife, Nancy Brelesford.

Jim is survived by his wife, Deborah McGoldrick, sons, Raymond McGoldrick, of Weiser, Idaho,  Kris McGoldrick, wife (Dell), of Polson, Montana, Shawn McGoldrick, wife (Julie), of Seattle, Washington, daughter,  Chandalyn Reed, husband (David) of Onalaska, Washington, grandsons, Alexander McGoldrick, Davyn Reed;  granddaughters, Aerial McGoldrick,  Mary McGoldrick, Marlo McGoldrick, and Kaitlyn Reed, cousin, Ralph Harris, wife (Jackie) of Hailey, Idaho,  his cherished daughter in law, Zandra McGoldrick, (extended family and friends of over 40 years) the Chuck and Joy Higgins family, and the Abdulla Rasiwali family. 

A Masonic Memorial Service will be held at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162, 352-775-7427, on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 2 pm.  The McGoldrick family would be honored if you were to share your favorite memory of him on their Tribute Wall at www.hiers-baxley.com.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.