James Thomas McCoy, Sr.

James Thomas McCoy, Sr., 93, of Palm Bay, passed away on October 31, 2025. The memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 11:00AM Buggs Funeral Home.

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Buggs Funeral Home & Crematory
2701 S. Harbor City Boulevard
Melbourne, Florida 32901
(321) 728-7076

James Thomas McCoy, Sr. was born on June 7, 1932 in Byington, Tennessee to Zetta Franklin Nelson McCoy and Tom McCoy. He was educated in the Knox County, Tennessee school system. He earned an AS degree from Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Virginia.

He joined the U.S. Army December 8, 1949 at the age of 17. He served through the Korean Conflict and two tours of Vietnam. Through his years of service he received: The National Defense Service Medal (OLC), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Six Overseas Bars, Good Conduct Medal (7th award), Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. He retired from the army with the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8) and twenty two and a half years of service.

After retiring from the U.S. Army he was an insurance agent for John Hancock Insurance Company. Later, he worked for the United States Postal service for 20 years. Mr. McCoy moved to Palm Bay, Florida from Newport News, Virginia in 1992. He also lived in Columbia, South Carolina for a few years. Throughout his travels and places he lived, he maintained a job and made many friends.

He was a member of many clubs and organizations including the Orcutt Seniors Citizens Club of Hampton, Virginia. He was a member of the American Legion in Hampton, Virginia, as well as Post 191 in Melbourne, Florida where he served as the Service Officer. He also served as Assistant-Sergeant-At-Arms for the 12th District of Florida. He believed as long as he had health and strength he would work, keep a job and be active. Well into his seventies he trained to be a CNA and worked at Holmes Regional Medical Center.

In May 2021, Mr. McCoy made his final move back to Palm Bay, Florida. His health continued to deteriorate and he departed this life on October 31, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memories his son James McCoy, Jr. of Hampton, Virginia; his grandson Lamont Mitchell of Washington, DC; his granddaughter Akia McCoy of Jacksonville, Florida; his sister Louise Johnson of Tacoma, Washington; his sister Helen (William) Throssell of Tacoma, Washington; his goddaughter Cynthia Beckett of Richmond, Virginia; one great grandson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances that he met throughout the country and the world.