James Lane McDermott

James Lane McDermott, 86, of San Luis Obispo died Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, at Sydney Creek Care Facility. Jim or "Mac" was what his friends called him. He lived his life in San Luis Obispo County, first in Pismo Beach then the family moved to Atascadero when he was 11. The youngest child, and only boy, of Della and William McDermott, he and his three older sisters were all five years apart. Jim and friend, Albert Harder, played marbles and war games as well as learned to ride bikes together. He played baseball and loved to hear the "crack" of the bat and hit many home runs. He graduated from Atascadero High School and went to St. Mary's College in San Francisco, Calif., for a year on a football scholarship.

He married the love of his life, Marie Poletti, in 1943 after being drafted into the U.S. Army in November of 1942. He was in the 91st Infantry Division, 363 Regimental Combat Team, Company G. As of 2006 he could still tell you his serial number. After training at Camp White in Oregon and North Africa his company first saw combat in Napoli, Italy, in July of 1943. He spent the next year trying to stay alive: most of his company did not survive. He became the platoon leader and rose to the rank of Sergeant. One fellow soldier, Bonnie Carroll, honored Sgt. McDermott in his book, The Wind Of Glory stating, "He was a man with special vision, capable of sensing danger. With his sense of timing and outstanding shooting ability he saved many lives, he was awesome."

In September of 1944 Company G spearheaded the attack on Monticelli Ridge, where Sgt. Mac had several close calls, was wounded and returned to action. He was awarded The Purple Heart, two Silver Stars and the Good Conduct Medal among other awards, but he was most proud of his Combat Infantry Badge. He had learned to speak a little Italian and German. He made and lost many friends ... he said he never got over it ... he could still hear their voices. Sgt. McDermott was honorably discharged in September of 1945.

He returned home to his wife, Marie, and they were blessed with three wonderful sons Jim Jr. and twins Mike and Mark. He went back to driving truck, joined the Teamsters Union and retired in May of 1983.

After retiring he and Marie traveled with family to Switzerland and around the Western United States. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt, especially deer. He was very successful over his lifetime. His hunting stories will be told and re-told for years to come. He successfully traveled to British Columbia twice to hunt moose. He was a lifetime member of The NRA, VFW, American Legion, Native Sons of The Golden West and Santa Lucia Sportsman Association.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Marie; sons Jim Jr., Mark (Frankie) and Mike (Pam); sister, Dorothy May; nine grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many nieces, nephews and extended family who loved him so.

A viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007, followed by a recitation of the rosary and memorial service at 11 a.m. at Reis Chapel in San Luis Obispo.

A graveside service with Military Honor Guard burial will follow at Arroyo Grande Cemetery.

The family cordially invites you to join them for a pot luck following the services in celebration of Jim's life from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. at The American Legion Hall in San Luis Obispo.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Hospice Partners of The Central Coast.

The family wishes to thank Hospice Partners and all of the wonderful caregivers at Sydney Creek who loved him as we did.

Reis Family Mortuary

544-7400

San Luis Obispo