Remember

Mr. James McInerney

June 19, 1944 - December 5, 2011
La Habra, California

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of James' Passing

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution in Jim's honor be made to:
California Operation Lifesaver
2604 B. El Camino Real, Suite 290
Carlsbad, CA 92008

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“Nancy and family, We're so sorry for your loss, but Jim is watching down on your beautiful family and is very proud of you all! We're sending you...Read More » ”
1 of 27 | Posted by: Maria Hagerl (Rosa's daughter in CO) - CO

“Nancy, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and the rest of the family during your time of grief. Jim was truly an amazing...Read More » ”
2 of 27 | Posted by: The Hendee's - St. Louis, MO

“Nancy, I wished I had made it down last Spring and seen both of you, I am so sorry for your loss of a life time, and our loss for such a brief time,...Read More » ”
3 of 27 | Posted by: Peggy Thomas - challis, ID

“I am so sorry for your loss Auntie. But what a wonderful life the two of you have had.I loved my Uncle Jimmy very much and feel very fortunate that I...Read More » ”
4 of 27 | Posted by: Jennifer Sourp - Cloverdale, CA

“I wrote a long fun sappy letter. It got erased:( Cried too much writing it mac daddy! So Ill just say... I LOVE YOU MR.MCINERNEY!!!! YOU ALWAYS...Read More » ”
5 of 27 | Posted by: gina - la, CA - Friend

“A Eulogy for James McInerney by Lawrence Williams On behalf of Nancy McInerney, his sister Georjean, his daughters Tracy and Wendy, and the entire...Read More » ”
6 of 27 | Posted by: Wendy - Yorba Linda, CA

“My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all. ”
7 of 27 | Posted by: Jeff Schuetz - Irvine, CA

“Nancy and Family We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. May the peace which...Read More » ”
8 of 27 | Posted by: Kay and John Mukherjee - CA

“Today we say goodbye friend. Today is going to be tough. U meant so much to me, your laugh, your smile, your love for life. Jim it was never a...Read More » ”
9 of 27 | Posted by: Tommy - El Monte , CA - Friend

“I Love my uncle and will miss him dearly, the music will never die in this family because of Jim, that is just one of the many memories I will keep...Read More » ”
10 of 27 | Posted by: Ted Moorewood - Fullerton, CA

“I grew up around the corner from the McInerneys and Wendy has always been a close friend so I spent alot of time at the McInerney's while growing up....Read More » ”
11 of 27 | Posted by: Alma Penalosa - Tustin, CA

“Dad, you lived your life your way. You taught us all the importance of family, and welcomed everyone like they were a a member of ours. You were a...Read More » ”
12 of 27 | Posted by: Tracy - Pasadena, CA - daughter

“I will miss for all the days of my life. You were my best friend, lover and husband for 48 years. I enjoyed every minute we shared together. I...Read More » ”
13 of 27 | Posted by: Nancy McInerney - La Habra, CA

“Dad 5 year ago you were very sick and the Dr in the ER said for us to say our good-byes. It was not your time. Looking back I can see we had 5...Read More » ”
14 of 27 | Posted by: Wendy McInerney - Yorba Linda, CA

“I can still remember seeing my first guitar in your garage and picking it up wanting to play it, but it had no strings.Tracy told me it was her Dad's...Read More » ”
15 of 27 | Posted by: Diana - Nuevo

“My Prayers go out to the McInerney family . I have so many good memories to many to list, all the FUN family vacations. One all us kids will never...Read More » ”
16 of 27 | Posted by: Mario Gerdelman - Phoenix, AZ

“We are all heartbroken as I know you all are. Your daddy touches us all. I love his smile, his love for fun and love of the mountains. I won't ever...Read More » ”
17 of 27 | Posted by: Tristan Mansey - Lake Arrowhead, CA

“Mr. McInerney was such an amazing person. I loved his smile, and I remember how much he loved making others laugh and have fun, especially his family...Read More » ”
18 of 27 | Posted by: Miche DeBree Packer - Las Vegas, NV

“Dear McInerney Family, Please accept my condolences for the loss of Jim. As a youngster, I knew him as a neighborhood parent and someone to whom...Read More » ”
19 of 27 | Posted by: Sean Tushla - Camas, WA - Friend

“May he rest in peace and we know his friends and family will always look back fondly with all the wonderful memories that he shared with everyone. ”
20 of 27 | Posted by: Patty and Tracy Allen - La Habra, CA

“Godspeed Jim ”
21 of 27 | Posted by: Jimmy Mock - Yorba Linda, CA

“We were very glad to know you and enjoyed the time we'd see each other amongst your wonderful family. Jim always made us feel good and his kindness...Read More » ”
22 of 27 | Posted by: Rafael and Cecilia Garcia - CA

“I'm so glad we reconnected after all the years, and just wish we'd done it sooner! Some of my fondest memories were made from our friendship during...Read More » ”
23 of 27 | Posted by: Don Lampson - Santa Margarita , CA

“While I didn't have the fortune to know Jim personally, he did in fact impact my life in a profound way. You see, I grew up in La Habra and lived...Read More » ”
24 of 27 | Posted by: Ron Ferrieri & Dolores Arias - CA

“You have always been such a wonderful friend to our family and we are pleased to have known the wonderful man that was your father. Please let us...Read More » ”
25 of 27 | Posted by: Kruger famly - Brea, CA - Friend

“Your family is wonderful may you be happy playing your music in Heaven. ”
26 of 27 | Posted by: Cheryl Brown - Yorba Linda, CA

“Please accept my condolences. I'm so very sorry for your loss. ”
27 of 27 | Posted by: Lynne Heffley - South Pasadena, CA

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James McInerney was born in Monterey Park, California on June 19, 1944 to George and Phyllis McInerney. He had an elder sister, Georjean, and elder half brother, Edward "Bud" Sourp. He met his true love, Nancy Ellen Barrow, in the summer of 1962. They were married on April 28, 1963. They made their home in La Habra, California for the past 46 years where they raised their two daughters and lived a rich life surrounded by family and friends.

Jim served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1965. Jim worked in sales for many years, but made a significant career change in 1976, when he started his career with the Union Pacific Railroad where he worked as a switchman, brakeman and locomotive engineer. Here is where he found one of his life's true passions - rail safety education, when he became an Operation Lifesaver volunteer. He was involved with California Operation Lifesaver for many years as a presenter, trainer, mentor and Board member. He believed that educating the public was key to saving lives at railroad crossings. His passion as a mentor for sharing the Operation Lifesaver message ignited and inspired many volunteers and saved many lives. Jim's railroad career continued with the Federal Railroad Administration (1991-1992) and concluded as a Rail Safety Inspector for the California Public Utilities Commission (1992-2007).

Jim had a lifelong love of rock and roll music. He love playing the guitar and singing with friends and family, even when he didn't always remember all the words. He was co-owner of Rock-It Music in Brea, California, which recently was recognized as Best Mom and Pop Guitar Store in Orange County by the OC Weekly.

Jim died on December 5, 2011 due to complications from heart surgery. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Nancy, his daughters Tracy Berge and Wendy Williams, sons-in-law Stuart Berge and Lawrence Williams and grandchildren, Ethan and Nolan Berge and Clayton, Sinclair and Russell Williams, elder sister, Georjean McInerney and many nieces and nephews.

Jim lived his life to the fullest, loved his family deeply and was a friend to everyone.

Memories & Candles

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Nancy and family,

We're so sorry for your loss, but Jim is watching down on your beautiful family and is very proud of you all! We're sending you big hugs and prayers during this difficult time. ♥ Rosa Cirillo and family

Posted by: Maria Hagerl (Rosa's daughter in CO) - Centennial, CO - Friend Dec 15, 2011

Nancy,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and the rest of the family during your time of grief. Jim was truly an amazing person, and I know that the world was a better place with him in it. We will always be thankful and remember the many good times we had with Jim and yourself either at your cabin, the lake, and everywhere else. They were really some fun times. If you need anything please don't hesitate to let us know.

God Bless,

The Hendee Family

Posted by: The Hendee's - St. Louis, MO - Friend Dec 12, 2011

Nancy, I wished I had made it down last Spring and seen both of you, I am so sorry for your loss of a life time, and our loss for such a brief time, my heart goes out to you and your family and many friends. May GOD BLESS YOU, ALWAYS pEGGY

Posted by: Peggy Thomas - challis, ID - high school friend and later fou Dec 12, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss Auntie. But what a wonderful life the two of you have had.I loved my Uncle Jimmy very much and feel very fortunate that I was able to come visit you both and connect with him one last time. I will miss him.

Posted by: Jennifer Sourp - Cloverdale, CA - Niece Dec 11, 2011

I wrote a long fun sappy letter. It got erased:(
Cried too much writing it mac daddy! So Ill just say...
I LOVE YOU MR.MCINERNEY!!!! YOU ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL SO LOVED!! SO CARED FOR!! IM GOING TO MISS YOU DEEPLY. PRAYERS TO FAMILY AND ALL WHO KNEW HIM, CAUSE IF YOU KNEW HIM, YOUR HEART BROKE JUST A LITTLE BIT:(

Posted by: gina - la, CA - Friend Dec 11, 2011

A Eulogy for James McInerney by Lawrence Williams

On behalf of Nancy McInerney, his sister Georjean, his daughters Tracy and Wendy, and the entire McInerney family, I want to express our feelings to all of you who mourn with us on this day at this Church. We loved Jim as a husband, a brother, as a father, a grandfather, and as a friend.

I know that all of you are here because Jim touched and inspired you. Everyone has a “Jim

... more

A Eulogy for James McInerney by Lawrence Williams

I know that all of you are here because Jim touched and inspired you. Everyone has a “Jim Story.” He was so much fun.

Capturing Jim’s life is difficult to put into mere words. His generosity, his passion for life, and love for family and friends was felt by all.

Generosity
Jim was so generous. He welcomed everyone to his home and into his life. As you walk in you are greeted with a hug, never just a handshake. Everyone felt welcome and there was always more than enough. With Jim, it was “the more the merrier.” I know that most of us here have experienced a MacDaddy barbecue. Stop and think for a moment about the good times, the laughter, and the abundance of food. Did your wineglass ever become empty before Jim was filling it up for you?

He would do almost anything for you. Never was there a challenge too big or an effort too great. He never said “no” to family or friend. Whenever someone was experiencing a challenge, Jim was the first to offer his help and advice. He made everything okay.

Passion
Jim was an extremely passionate man. He was truly passionate about railroad safety. During his 15 years as a railroad engineer, he found one of his life's true passions, rail safety education. He was involved with California Operation Lifesaver for many years as a presenter, trainer, mentor, and Board member. Jim believed that educating the public was key to saving lives at railroad crossings. His passion inspired many other volunteers and saved many lives.

Jim had a lifelong love of rock and roll music. He loved playing the guitar and singing with friends and family, even when he didn't remember all the words. But he always remembered the words to his favorite song “Walking the Dog.”

He was especially passionate about his wife Nancy. The relationship they shared is inspirational. I will now read to you a few words he wrote just two years ago on their anniversary:

When I saw her I was instantly in love. I asked Nancy to be my wife and 46 years ago today we were married. She has been my friend, lover, companion and partner. I have loved her more each day of those 46 years. She gave me two great daughters and they gave us five unbelievable grandchildren. I have no doubt that I am very fortunate to have met and fallen in love with my wife Nancy. I love you.

Family First
The best lesson Jim taught and demonstrated to us is the importance of family. He was a good son to his father. He would go out of his way to make sure that Grandpa George was okay and included in every family event. Jim taught us all by how he treated his father.

Jim was very proud of his girls. He made sure that when his daughters got married, their families were always included so that they became one big family.

He was a remarkable Grandfather who strongly related to the kids. He absolutely loved to indulge his grandchildren. He would sit with them on the floor, play with them, and spent countless hours playing video games and watching movies with them.

The Arrowhead cabin was his dream. He knew that it would bring family and friends closer together. He was right. We all remember the countless nights playing guitar, playing poker, and celebrating every Thanksgiving Day for almost 20 years in a row.
Conclusion
What he leaves us is what he said, what he did, and what he stood for. Jim will never truly leave us so long as we keep his passion for life alive. He was a man that you met that you would never forget.

Live life fully. Be passionate, be generous, and put your family first.

Thank you.

Posted by: Wendy - Yorba Linda, CA - Daughter Dec 10, 2011

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all.

Posted by: Jeff Schuetz - Irvine, CA - Friend of Larry and Wendy Dec 09, 2011

Nancy and Family

We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.

Sincerly,
Kay and John Mukherjee

Posted by: Kay and John Mukherjee - Riverside, CA - Friends Dec 09, 2011

Today we say goodbye friend. Today is going to be tough. U meant so much to me, your laugh, your smile, your love for life. Jim it was never a dull momment with you. Spending time at the house or the cabin or at Wendys we had a great time!!!! I love you Jim..

Posted by: Tommy - El Monte , CA - Friend Dec 09, 2011

I Love my uncle and will miss him dearly, the music will never die in this family because of Jim, that is just one of the many memories I will keep close to my heart.

Posted by: Ted Moorewood - Fullerton, CA - nephew Dec 09, 2011

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I was fortunate to meet Jim in 1992 when I moved to CA and worked on the start-up of the Metrolink Service. I was asked to work with a team on rail safety, called Operation Lifesaver. At the first meeting, I met Jim McInerney. He took me under his wing, teaching me the OL program. Jim was my inspiration, my mentor and from that moment on, my friend. His passion for rail safety was obvious in everything he did. I then met and worked with his daughter Tracy who carried on his message. We were quite a team and having Jim and his family in my life, enriched my life. He will always live on in my heart and the memories will always make me smile. My deepest sympathy to his family. Love Lois

Posted by Lois Cunning from Milton, DE - Friend on December 09, 2011

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As I informed my children of the loss of our friends grandfather, my youngest child..looked at me and said, "mom, the grandpa we know"? We were always welcome to join the family in their gatherings and celebrations. We were always greeted with smiles, hugs and kisses. We felt just like part of the family.
Thank you for sharing your grandpa with us, Russell, Sinclair, & Clayton.
We love you all very much!

Posted by Gisela Dutton from Yorba Linda , CA - Friends of Wendy on December 09, 2011

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Soon after Lawrence and Wendy met, he brought Wendy to our home to meet us (I think I fell in love with her sparkling, friendly disposition right away), and Wendy said to me: "You should meet my parents. I just know the four of you would love to spend time with each other; you all seem to enjoy the same things and have similar outlooks on life" -- or words to that effect. Well, she was right. We clicked immediately and have been very close friends ever since, and Jim and Nancy have welcomed all our families into their lives as their own. Jim, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten, and we'll take good care of your Nancy always. Our love to you both, Pam and Andy.

Posted by Pamela Williams

from Brea, CA - Friend on December 09, 2011

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Although I did not know Jim well, I do remember that he captured my heart the first time I met him. It was several years ago when Ethan was in little league with my daughter Lulu and the first game was at the Longfellow school baseball field. There was no mistaking which team Jim was routing for because he loudly cheered Ethan on without a care in the world for how crazy and excited he got. As the season progressed and he got to know the other kids, he cheered them on as well. The following year Ethan moved on to another team but Nolan stepped in and the cheering started all over again. It was evident that those boys meant everything to their grandfather. My fond memories of little league and my friendship with Tracy is due entirely to Jim.

Posted by Aimee Brazeau from Pasadena, CA - Friend of Tracy on December 08, 2011

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I will never forget one of our early Mexico cruises with a large group of our friends. Jim had purchased a really good bottle of tequila in Ensenada, snuck it on board, and was looking forward to enjoying it at home. Well... Jim and I proceeded to polish off the bottle in short order. (we may have had a little help, but who remembers) He was one of the good ones, and will be missed and remembered. Love to the family

Posted by Bryan Nelson from Long Beach, CA - Friend on December 07, 2011

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I've known Jim for 22 years, my first memory of the McInerney home was my first meeting Jim and Nancy at one of many BBQs. The Mcinerney home was always a place of summer fun and winter warmth, no matter the occasion Jim was ready. In 1996 our pet chow chow passed away and there was Jim and Nancy with a bottle of wine and time to grieve for our beloved Oso. Then in 1997 we adopted Merlin our malamute, Jim and Nancy and Zena came over to celebrate merlins new home. Thru the years I saw the love he had for his wife Nancy, the love for his daughters, his grandchildren and the love of his pets, his music but most of all his passion for life. Jim, you're one of a kind my friend, you will be dearly missed. I am honored to have been your friend.... READ MORE →

Posted by Laura gonzales from Dewey-Humboldt , AZ - Friend on December 07, 2011

Mr. James McInerney

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