James Francis McCool III's Obituary
James Francis McCool, III, age 79, of Lewes, DE, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Monday, March 6, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinsonism and Lewy Body Dementia. Born on April 18, 1943, in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of the late Edna (Geiger) and James Francis McCool, II.
A native Delawarean, James was a 1961 graduate of the Salesianum High School in Wilmington, where he was an all-star athlete. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware in Newark, where he was an accomplished athlete in basketball and football. Later in his career, he received his graduate degree in Military Intelligence from the Defense Intelligence College.
James was a proud veteran, and had a distinguished military career, serving his country for twenty-two years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours in Vietnam, and was a decorated combat veteran, earning the purple heart and gold star awards. In James’ second distinguished career, he was a Senior Intelligence Analyst and Department Chief for the Defense Intelligence Agency and Defense Intelligence College. Here he received the Defense Intelligence Director’s Award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to defense intelligence analysis.
James had many interests and hobbies. In retirement, he was a skilled woodcarver, a talent that he inherited from his father and grandfather, creating award winning duck decoys and carved shorebirds. He won many ribbons and competed in Delaware, North Carolina, Maryland, and New Jersey. In his younger days, James was a vintage sports car enthusiast and collector. He was an avid gun collector and gun safety instructor. During his military career, he traveled the world. In retirement, he continued discovering the world with his beloved wife, Vickie. Those that knew him loved his wicked sense of humor and the spirit of fun that he brought to any and every gathering. Above all, the time spent with those he held dear was what he cherished most. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, soldier, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to have known him.
James is survived by his cherished wife, Victoria Aud-McCool; his daughters, Erin McCool Byrczek (husband Tom), Jennifer McCool Griggs (husband Eric) and Mary McCool; his six grandchildren: Aidan, Maura, Ellis and Jack Griggs; and James and Ella Byrczek.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00AM.
All are invited to join the service via live stream by visiting:
http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10932374/LTWebcast
Interment with military honors will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Mr. McCool’s memory to: The American
Parkinson Disease Association or to the Dementia Society of America (Lewy Body) Research.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2023, AT OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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