James A. McCarty

James "Mac" McCarty, 87, of Wilmington passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, early Monday morning, January 29, 2018, at his home.  He was born March 24, 1930, in Zanesville, son of the late Leslie and Ruth (Clouse) McCarty. 

He graduated from Salem College with a BS degree in art and music.  He was drafted and served in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany.  He graduated from the University of West Virginia with a Master's degree in music.  He started his teaching career in Parkersburg, West Virginia.  He transferred to Triad in Cedarville, OH teaching band.

It was there he met his wife, the late Mary (McGraw) McCarty in St Mary's church choir loft in Urbana, OH.  Despite family doubts of her marrying a West Virginia hillbilly, love prevailed and they married on May 26, 1956. After 2 years they moved to Cleveland where he began his career teaching art.  In 1962, he moved his family to Wilmington, where he started the art program for Wilmington City Schools.  He taught art at WHS until he retired, with over 38 years of teaching, in 1989.

In his early years at WHS, he took his art students out during summer breaks to sketch and do watercolors of areas surrounding Wilmington to further their enthusiasm and skills in art.  He was very well liked and admired by his students, who nicknamed him Mac, which stuck with him through the years.  Many of his students won state and national scholastics awards, as well as the Hallmark award.  He, too, was awarded the SW Ohio Art Teacher of the Year.  He was a substitute teacher for several years following his retirement. He then helped two of his sons start McCarty Gardens in Sabina, OH. 

He was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church and sang in the Traditional Choir.  He also liked to spend his free time turning his yard into elaborate gardens, with rock walls, patios and walkways as well as painting, ceramics and woodworking.  He was a member of the Community Band for many years.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, J.Timothy McCarty, three brothers, Les, George and Pat McCarty, and his favorite sister, Mary Mitchell.

Surviving are his children: Kathy (Kat) McCarty Reynolds, Steve (Bev) McCarty, Pat (Michelle) McCarty, Dan (Amberly) McCarty, Mike (Pandy) McCarty; Turkish son, Bora (Marta) Tashan; special cousin, Peggy (Dan) Savage; and special daughter, Jenny Foster (McCarty).

Gramp's grandchildren are: Chris Reynolds, Cassidy (Nate) Rose; Audrey, Tyler (Kara), Shea (Ashley), Aleck and Cassie McCarty; Mary and Gus McCarty; Megan McCarty; Camden, Casey and Caleb McCarty; Mia and Will McCarty, Aris Tashan, Anna Reser, Julie and Hayden Howard; 7 great grandchildren: Kylee West, Hannah and Brody Reynolds, Gracie and Wyatt Rose, Lilli and Lanie McCarty; along with many favorite nieces and nephews, well heck, there are way to many to count!

In lieu of traditional long lines to pay your respects, a celebration of his life will be held in the Hamilton Room at the Roberts Convention Centre, located off I-71 at SR 68 near Wilmington.  Please come join family and friends from 4-8 pm Friday, February 2, 2018. 

A Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 3, 2018, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Wilmington, at 11:00 am.  A luncheon for family and friends will be held in the Parish Center basement following the service.  Private graveside services will held later at the family's convenience.

Contributions in memory of James McCarty may be made to Wilmington Schools Foundation, specifically for WHS Art and Music departments.

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