MCCOY, Thomas James

Thomas James McCoy, 76, died at his winter home in San Felipe, Baja California North, Mexico, Jan. 5, 2007. He was born July 11, 1930, in Grand Forks, N.D. to Isiah and Margaret McCoy. His childhood was spent in North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada. He graduated from Pembina, N.D., high school in 1948 and spent four years in the U.S. Navy from 1948-52. He worked in Minneapolis, Kansas City and Denver doing refrigeration repair. In 1963 he became a Colorado State Patrolman stationed in Yuma and Ft. Morgan. In 1973 he became a liquor inspector stationed in Salida and working the San Luis Valley, Gunnison County and Lake County areas. He moved to Lakewood in 1979 and became a tax compliance officer with the Denver Revenue Office, retiring in 1987. He lived three years in Nathrop at Chateau Chaparral before moving to Howard. Mr. McCoy was Past Exalted Ruler of Salida Elks Lodge No. 808 and became Exalted Ruler of Ballard Elks Lodge No. 827 while in Seattle, Wash., and was a member of American Legion Post No. 96 in Yuma. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, Mike and Robert along with grandsons, Kelsy and Kevin. Polka music got him dancing. Survivors are his wife of 26 years, Earlene (Baker) McCoy; sons, James P. McCoy of Denver; Michael (Shelly) McCoy of Bond, Robert (Donna) Lee of Lakewood, Douglas (Tina) Lee of Cañon City and Patrick (Mickey) Lee of Etna, Wyo.; daughter, Jaylene (Dan) Lee-Griego of Greeley, special friend, Carmen Gomez of San Felipe; 14 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and a plethora of friends from Canada to Mexico. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Cora (Martinson) McCoy and his younger brother, John E. (Jack) McCoy. Cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial service in July to allow everyone to attend. Contributions may be made to the Elks National Foundation or The Elks Therapy Program through Ballard Elks Lodge No. 827, 6411 Seaview, Seattle, WA 98107.