Search by Name

Search by Name

James C. Lynch

1953 - 2013

James C. Lynch obituary, 1953-2013, Formerly Of Scarsdale, FL

BORN

1953

DIED

2013

James Lynch Obituary

Lynch, James C.

Sept. 19, 1953-July 19, 2013

James C. Lynch, loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, died in Boca Raton, FL on Friday, July 19, 2013 after a brief illness. He was born Sept. 19, 1953 in New York City to James and Ann Lynch and was a graduate of Fordham Prep in the Bronx and The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. A career journalist, Jimmy rose from copyboy to executive editorial positions at The New York Post, The New York Daily News, American Media and The Chicago Sun Times. For the past several years, he was a freelance writer and editor. His insight, compassion and acerbic wit delighted compatriots and readers alike.

All who knew Jimmy loved him. He enjoyed current events and world history and he found great joy in discussing any topic that was interesting and important to those around him. Committed to helping those troubled and less fortunate, Jim served as a Big Brother and as a volunteer with the Helping Hands of Boca Raton. His inquiring mind, innate kindness and gentle spirit will forever inspire us.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sammy, and son, Luke, of Boca Raton; his mother, Ann Lynch of Scarsdale, NY; sister, Anne Curran (Charlie) of Armonk, NY; brother, Robert (Debbie) of Chagrin Falls, OH; and nieces and nephews: Joanna and Nick Curran and Ryan, Dylan and Kylie Lynch.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 8 Carmen Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. In the spirit to which he committed his life, donations in honor of James C. Lynch may be made to The Helping Hands Organization of Boca Raton, Florida, 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432 www.bocahelpinghands.org. Place an online condolence at legacy.com.

Published by The Journal News from Jul. 31 to Aug. 7, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Lynch

Not sure what to say?





Always fond memories of a fine classmate at Holy Cross.

Harry Lynch

Classmate

July 25, 2020

Learned far too late of Jim's passing -- good guy, good editor, remembered fondly from my brief stint at the News years ago.

Donald Kirk

Coworker

August 6, 2018

It is with great sadness I write this note, having just learnt of Jim's death.
Although we had not spoken in many years, regrettably , Jim was a good man. We met doing volunteer service together every Friday night in Manhattan for many years. He was a likable chap from day one, full of humor , love of life and a caring and understanding nature. His love and involvement of family life set him apart from so many and endeared him to me." Jimmy Boy " as I called him, attended my wedding in Ireland in 95', and stole the show. He somehow managed to get into every photo, head cocked, teeth flashing with a sly grin. He loved meeting the other newspaper men in attendance from Australia and Ireland, there stories, tit for tat, kept us in hysterics for days. Our hearts go to Sammy and Luke.
Annette, Conor, Nell, Grace and Tim McKenna.

Tim McKenna

September 22, 2013

I just learned of the much too early passing of Jimmy. It's been many years ago but I have great memories of fun times together during our high school and college years. Always a gentleman.
My deepest sympathy to his wife, Sammy, son, Luke and family, God Bless...

Ellen

September 7, 2013

I got to know Jim over tha last few years and worked with him on one story. He was a great guy - a Gentleman and scholar devoted to his wife and son. He will be missed.

William Walsh

August 11, 2013

I'm a good friend of Rob and Debbie's. I grew up on the same street aas Jimmy and have a lot of pleasant memories of basketball games in his backyard. Always a pleasure to be around. Keep faith from the strenght you will have from the strong and loving family yopu are a part of.

Tom Keane

August 9, 2013

I had dinner with Jim in Boca earlier this year and he seemed fine, very upbeat and seemingly content with life. He was helping me out with some writing projects at Newsmax and he wanted to get more involved. We loved working with him, he was a complete pro, fun to talk to – and he always delivered on time.
Ken Chandler
Editor, Newsmax
Former Editor-in-Chief, NY Post

August 9, 2013

He was universally respected (and loved by those of us who knew him well) and not once, ever, was ever a cross word said about him. Gentleman is the term that immediately comes to mind – and he was one hell of a news guy.
Lou Colasuonno (email excerpt)
~ Former editor-in-chief of the New York Post and the New York Daily News.

August 9, 2013

We remember Jim with great affection and respect. He was truly one of life's decent, gentle and charming people, as well as being a talented journalist. How sad for all who knew him that he should die so young. Our hearts go out to Sammi and Luke.

Irene and John Bell

August 8, 2013

To all of the Lynch family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very challenging time. May Jimmy's life and love and curiousity live on forever in all who knew him. Peace

Nan Doherty

August 3, 2013

You have my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear husband. May it bring you peace of mind to know that his kindness will never be forgotten. May the God who gives peace and comfort be with your family. (Romans 15:33)

August 2, 2013

I am very sorry to hear this news: my condolences to your family. From a member of the Holy Cross Class of '74

Harry Lynch

August 1, 2013

Jim was a kind and courageous friend with a special empathy for the downtrodden and the underdog. When Christine called Helping Hands to discuss a donation, the staffer she spoke with praised his caring humility and said how much he would be missed, this gifted man who got such satisfaction from doing the most menial work for others. We saw him just a few days before his death and his thoughts were for us, not his own plight. "Christine, you look lovely," he said. "Oh Joe, I've always loved that jacket." I smiled and shook my head. Same old Lynch. We talked a bit of old campaigns and soon Luke and Sammy returned. Jim and his son high-fived or fist bumped; memory fails me which it was, but the look of love and pride in Jim's eyes was unmistakable. Sammy's breaking heart was all too obvious. I met with Jim for coffee every couple of months; he'd be there first with a large black Starbucks ready for me. Strangely, for two old tabloid guys, we'd throw lines of poetry and literature at each other. He was a big man for Yeats and these lines always moved him, 'A brief parting from those dear, Is the worst man has to fear.' And the ending - the poet's self-chosen epitaph - held special meaning. Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by. It should not have happened but looking at that photograph chosen by Anne I think we all know that he'll always be with us.

Joe&Christine Mullins

August 1, 2013

In the Eighties, I worked at the New York Post as a copy kid and met Jim. He had a very pressured job but he was very kind and funny, in spite of all the pressure. I learned a lot from talking to him. He was very curious about the world and it was obvious that he was incredibly bright, but he was always patient when explaining things to people. He was a great guy, and I am very sorry for your family's loss.

I live in Jerusalem, Israel now, so I can't come to the memorial service, but believe me, I will be there in spirit.

Best,
Hannah

Hannah Brown

August 1, 2013

More than 40 years passed before having the pleasure of seeing Jimmy at his brother's house in Longboat Key this past December. Jimmy's cousin, Patti Lynch-Buss and I were BFF's at IHM with Jimmy being a very close friend of my brother, Bob, while at IHM and afterwards. Our families were also very good friends! Knowing that I live in Longboat Key, Patti invited me to re-connect with her and all the Lynchs who were there. Needless to say, 40 years plus is a long time but I remember saying Jimmy hasn't changed a bit! He was genuinely inquisitive and interested in our family particularly about his old friend, my brother Bob. How lucky was I to have had that opportunity last December and share that visit with my siblings! There is no doubt, Jimmy will be missed. My deepest condolences to his wife and son along with his Mom, Ann and Robert and other family members!
-Maureen Mahoney-Florio

Maureen Florio

July 31, 2013

It seems like everyday I have been thinking about Jimmy in one way or another. The picture you posted of him is great. To me it captures him very well. I always remember him with a very keen smile and his head tilted to the side, just like the photo posted. I think your obit really summed up a few things for me personally about Jimmy - his gentle spirit, kindness, and intelligence.

Although I (and my siblings) grew up far away from NY and all of you, we definitely had a strong affinity and connection to your family. Obviously this came from the close bond your mother and my father have with each other (and with all of their siblings). To me it has trickled down, because my family being the youngest cousins always looked up to the Lynch's. Kinda like my big brothers/sisters.

And in many ways, Jimmy was very kind to me in particular. I will share with you a few things I remember vividly. After my freshman year in college, I came to NY for a visit and stayed at 9 Warwick as I have now many times. Looking back it is a bit embarrassing as I am not really sure of the purpose of my visit, but needless to say I was warmly welcomed and shown a great time. Now Robert and I basically stayed out late every night drinking beers in the bars of Westchester County over by Iona College. Granted that was fun and memorable at the time, but Jimmy took the time to also hang out with this young naive cousin during the days (even when he worked at night). He'd take me around and show me NYC. He took me all over the city and educated me on the history of NYC - the neighborhoods, the sites, the cultures, the good, the bad, everything! I remember him, your mom and I spent all day one day trooping all around NYC. This probably solidified my curiosity with NYC and my heritage, leading me to move to NY some 5 years later. He also was kind enough to take me out to Parsipanny, NJ to visit my mother's sister, my aunt Ann, who was in her final stages of battling cancer herself (and died shortly after my visit). I cannot tell you how important that was to my mom (and to my aunt) that I went to visit her. And I would have never gone if it wasn't for Jimmy. Might not have seemed like a big deal then but thirty some odd years later it is a big deal and a memory I will cherish.

As my career took me to NYC on two separate occasions, I was lucky enough to spend some time with Jimmy. At Sunday dinners at 9 Warwick, at Hampton Bays, occasionally in the city. He would give me a lift back to the city or up to Westchester etc. When we talked I quickly found out that he knew a lot about a lot! At times I felt pretty pedestrian around him, because whatever the topic of discussion he knew way more than I did. He never acted smart, he just was smart and informed.

I also had the pleasure to meet with Jimmy & Sammy one evening in South Beach while I was on business in Miami. I believe this was prior to them getting married. It was very nice to meet Sammy and you could tell Jimmy was very happy and they were happy together. I was happy for him.

I could go on, and probably have rambled too much. I just wanted to share with you that I thought Jimmy was a really kind and gentle guy to me in many ways. I really appreciated it. I am sorry for your loss and think of all of you often and fondly. Take care.

John Melican

July 31, 2013

Jimmy was several years older than me as we spent our summers on Chevy Chase Road and Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays. We used to play baseball in the street and swim in the ocean all summer long. It was a great life. I looked up to Jimmy because he was so smart. I remember he was in an accelerated program at Fordham Prep because he was brilliant. He was the first person I knew who went away to college. He even went to Holy Corss a year ahead of most kids because he was so smart. We remained friends after our youth of swimming in the ocean. He and I went to a Bruce Springsteen concert together at Madison Square Garden and had lunch together in ChinaTown when he and I worked for different newspapers in NYC. Our lives took different paths and we would catch up at happy and sad occasions. At his Dad's 70th birthday, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Jimmy at the Westchester Country Club. He was so happy for his Dad and he spoke eloquently of his love for him. At his Dad's wake, Jimmy told me he lost his best friend. He also told me how happy he was being married to Susan and how much fun he was having with Luke. Now God has taken Jimmy so he can be reunited with his best friend. God Bless you Jimmy and say hi to your Dad for me.

Love,

Edward Beglane

July 31, 2013

Words are very difficult to find to express my feelings of loss and heartache at the loss of my dear cousin Jimmy... Jimmy, we grew up together sharing family celebrations and holidays... we worked together in summertime and made mischief, too. I was so happy for you when you found your love match in Sammy and made it my priority to attend your beautiful wedding in St. Louis... more recently, getting to know your beautiful son has been just wonderful.... he has so much of you in him... I am saddened that we won't be able to share more times together or make any more mischief together.... as I had so dreamed of for our retirement years... I will forever miss you, my dear cousin, Jimmy... forever in my heart... xo

Patti Lynch-Buss

July 31, 2013

Mom emailed me today about Jimmy (I can't think of him as James). It's a bit strange - I had an incredibly vivid memory of Jimmy this weekend (!). It was in your mom's house. I'm guessing I was about 11-12 years old, wearing my first pair of bellbottom pants that I begged my mom to buy for me. They were a hideous plaid pattern from Sears Roebuck and I hated them because I really wanted blue jeans, but hell, they were bellbottoms. And Jimmy was sitting in a wing chair in your mom's living room playing a guitar and singing The Doors 'Light my Fire', and I just thought he was SO cool, and I was so embarrassed that I was wearing such uncool bellbottoms because I had such a crush on him! How is it possible that such excruciating adolescent feelings can resurface so much later in life? And why did that memory reappear just a couple of days ago? I remember your mom showing me some photos of Jimmy in St Petersburg about 12 years ago, just before he became a dad - really tan, and smiling, with a big mustache - and I remember thinking 'This guy looks really happy; not getting-my-photograph-taken happy, but happy in his life.' I hope that was true.

Jeanne Brady

July 31, 2013

To Aunt Anne, Anne, Robert and entire family: Wanted to say your tribute to Jimmy was perfect. Great childhood memories with the Lynchs, O'Donnells, Smiths and Dohertys!

Never saw such a perfect and accurate description of anyone before. My heart goes out to you all. He will be missed.

Meg Doherty Ropke

July 31, 2013

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in James Lynch's name

Memorial Events
for James Lynch

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Lynch's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more