James Michael Degnan
James Michael Degnan (Jim) died peacefully at home on October 18, 2023, at the age of 87. Beloved husband of 58 years to Martha (Tommie) Degnan (nee Bonfa), dear father to Lynne (Thomas) Casey and Marnie (Dennis) McGorry, loving grandfather “Papa” to Lily and Charlie Casey and Nate and Josh McGorry, dear uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, and friend. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Catherine Degnan (nee Elder) and his sister Patricia Voss (nee Degnan).
Jim grew up in South St. Louis attending St. Gabriel the Archangel grade school and St. Louis University High School where he excelled in track, setting a school record for the 100 yard dash that held for more than 25 years. He attended Marquette University on a track scholarship before serving in the army and finishing at St. Louis University. Jim and Tommie were married on November 6, 1965, at Little Flower Catholic Church in Richmond Heights and moved into their current home in 1967. Soon after they welcomed two daughters and eventually four wonderful grandchildren.
Jim had a long career in sales as a manufacturers’ representative, traveling throughout Missouri and the surrounding states. After retiring, he enjoyed volunteering at Feed My People and working at Grant’s Farm driving the tram and bartending in the Bier Garten for 12 years until his health prompted his second retirement.
He had many interests including history, especially that of World War II, collecting coins, stamps and other ephemera, working complicated jigsaw puzzles, and recycling (long before recycling was mainstream). Jim sustained connections with people from all aspects of his life, and especially valued the lifelong friendships made during his time at St. Louis U. High. He enjoyed laughing and making others laugh and was often the life of the party and the last to leave. He was active in his parish of St. Justin Martyr and the Saturday morning breakfast club was a mainstay in his life for the past 25 years. He dearly loved his family, friends, faith, and gin. Not necessarily in that order.
Jim gifted his body to the St. Louis University School of Medicine.
On Friday, November 3, 2023, the Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Memorial Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m.
St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church
11910 Eddie & Park Road
Sunset Hills, Missouri 63126
Memorial contributions to Criminal Justice Ministry or a charity of your choice.
God guide your sweet soul home. Rest in peace, Mr. Jim… Wo aì ní 🙏🏻❤️
At birth, we boarded the train of life and met our parents,
and we believed that they would always travel by our side.
However, at some station, our parents would step down from the train,
leaving us on life’s journey alone.
As time goes by, some significant people will board the train:
siblings, other children, friends, and even the love of our life.
Jim was one of my significant friends on my train.
Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum.
Others will go so unnoticed that we won’t realize that they vacated their seats!
This train ride has been a mixture of joy, sorrow, fantasy,
expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.
We are saying farewell to Jim.
A successful journey consists of having a good relationship with all passengers,
requiring that we give the best of ourselves.
The mystery that prevails is that we do not know at
which station we ourselves will step down.
Jim has arrived at his station……..now joining lauck, Raymonds, Hughs, Millman and many others who enjoyed Jim’s friendship and good relationship.
Thus, we must try to travel along the track of life in the best possible way –
loving, forgiving, giving, and sharing.
Jim was a standard bearer in this way.
When the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty –
we should leave behind beautiful memories for
those who continue to travel on the train of life. Let’s remember to thank our Creator
for giving us life to participate in this journey.
I close by thanking Jim for leaving beautiful memories for me starting in 1952 and
being one of the significant passengers on my train.
You are in my prayers ,Jim.
Joe Nawrocki
To Jimmy our dear Brother-in-law we miss you!
With love and prayers
Lou and Kathy
Jim was a wonderful neighbor and always had a built in smile. We always enjoyed a conversation about the weather, his delicious smelling barbecue, or how many new decorations might be added to our Christmas display each year! We know Jim is with God having a joyous time!
Chris and Carolyn Wolz
I’m so happy to have been able to spend time with Jim and Tommie from time to time over many years. Jim’s company was always a pleasure. He was fun to be with, warm and engaging and I really enjoyed our visits each and every time. My heart goes out to his wonderful family and to my dear friend Tommie. I will miss Jim. Love, Necey
My thoughts and sympathetic wishes for Jim and his dear family. I and my brothers and sisters of eight kids were decades long next door neighbors at 5854 Walsh of Jim and his parents. A kinder, better neighbor than the Degnan family is impossible to imagine. I have nothing but enormously fond memories of the generosity of spirit of Jim and all the Degnans. My thoughts are with you.
Bill Cribbin
Jim broke the state 100 yard dash record, was an excellent football teammate and friend.