Julia McCormack

Julia Armstrong McCormack



Julia Armstrong McCormack died on November 23, 2024 with her family by her side. Known by her nickname "Juju" to her family and friends. She was born October 18, 1932 to the late Julia O'Keefe and Vincent James Armstrong.

Juju sadly lost her father at a young age but was raised by her resilient mother along with her sister, Paubo. They lived together in a beautiful Riverside home, both girls graduated from Bartram School and spent summers at Keystone Camp. Juju also attended Florida State University, and during her college years she danced at the Florida Yacht Club as a debutante and also as a Maid of the Ye Mystic Revellers.

Juju inherited the graciousness of her mother and cared for her with all of her heart. She met the love of her life, Jack McCormack, who, thankfully, received the stamp of approval from her mother. They soon married in June of 1953 and shortly after started their family.

Juju and Jack were devoted partners raising their five children together while enriching their spiritual and social lives. They were dedicated members of St. Matthew's Church where Juju spent hours of volunteer time with the school and auxiliary. They both spent time working for St. Vincent's Foundation, one year co-chairing the Red Rose Ball. Additionally, they became members of the Order of Cornette and volunteered at St. Catherine Laboure Manor where Juju organized the yearly poinsettia fundraiser.

It was certainly not all work and no play for the couple. They enjoyed their friends at Timuquana Country Club, numerous bank conventions, their illustrious Investment Club and their strong neighborhood connections.

Juju was the epitome of a homemaker and a loving mother. Along with Jack, she created cherished childhood memories which include quite a few Terry Buick station wagons, long hot car trips to Pensacola Beach, baseball at NAS, mischief in Ortega Forest, assorted dogs, wrecked cars, more mischief, more wrecked cars, good times and bad times. Most of the children's friends felt very comfortable around Juju. They respected her, too, especially when she politely told them to "Go home!"

Some of her best times were spending summers in Cashiers with her family and her grandchildren. She would send everyone off to enjoy a day in the mountains, returning to a home cooked dinner which would always include a meat, starch, veggie, bread and one of her famous tossed salads. Always!

Juju loved shopping trips with her girls to Atlanta, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Vero -anywhere with good fashion and good food. She was happy to critique outfits using her refined sales ability and fashion expertise she acquired from her days as a Carlisle consultant and a Flagship Stein Mart Boutique sales lady.

Juju was truly a native Jacksonville southern lady, appreciating good manners and etiquette. She was honest and dedicated. She had many friends including the Madams, the Clover Garden Club and those that she made at the Junior League where she was a Sustainer Member. She got her hair done at Fonda's twice a week whether she needed it or not so she could find out what was going on with her buddies. Most of all she loved catching up with everyone on her long phone chats. She was a good listener and did not mind giving out advice which often times meant telling you what to do. Her children will miss those chats dearly.

Juju is predeceased by her husband John H McCormack, Jr. and survived by her children John McCormack III. (Robin), Paula Rosenbloom (Steve), Julie Martin (George), Margie McCormack and Vincent McCormack (Susan.) She was predeceased by an infant son, James. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Cory McCormack, Margaret McCormack, Julia McCormack, Beverly Reilly (Chris), Steve Rosenbloom Jr, Emma Naughton (Garrett) and John McCormack II, as well as two step grandchildren, Trey Martin (Christie) and Merrill Chandler (Ryan.) Juju had three great grandchildren with one more on the way in April. She was predeceased by her sister Mary Paula Onet.

The family would like to thank Dr. David McInnes who cared for her as a doctor and a friend. They would also like to thank Balecia, Gloria, Lois and Melissa for their dedicated help with Juju at the end.

A memorial for Juju will be held at St Matthew's Church, 1773 Blanding Blvd on Tuesday, December 10th at 11 a.m. with a reception following at Schiavone Parish Hall. There was a private family burial at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to St Matthew's Church, 1773 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville FL, 32210 or to the charity of your choice.