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 Banquette, 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 Christi 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, 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 Greyhounds 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 Banquette, 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; three 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); one sister, Caroll Brown; and one brother, Dale McCoy. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Diane.
A celebration of his life and legacy will be held on Aug. 10, 2023, at Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home in Boerne (Viewing/ Remembrances 5-7 p.m.), with a 12 p.m. funeral service at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church on Aug. 11, with 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.
McCoy
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