James Allen McConahay Jr.

James Allen McConahay Jr. Omaha, Nebraska: 12/09/1941 Orlando Florida: 7/15/2020. When he was fifteen, Jim and his parents moved to Miami where Jim enrolled at Coral Gables High School. After graduation, he attended “The University of Miami.” July 4th, 1964, when he stopped to talk to his neighbor, Alvi. It was love at first sight. One year later they were married. 55 years of marriage produced a daughter and two sons. Jim spent a year working for Hertz Rental Cars, then hired on as a ticket counter agent with Eastern Airlines. This employment provided travel opportunities for Jim and his family through much of Europe, Canada, Mexico and across the U.S. In 1971, Jim transferred to McCoy airport in Orlando. Approximately one year later, still working for the airlines, Jim, his father- in- law and uncle, created Gabriel’s Brass. They went on to form Squire Recording Company and Gentry Records. With Jim as co-owner and manager, the company produced three record albums, one exclusively for Spanish distribution. Jim was instrumental in booking “The Brass” for a ten year performance contract at Walt Disney World. With the closing of Eastern Airlines, Jim was then employed, for a short period of time with Delta Airlines. He went on to work as a travel consultant in the group travel department of Walt Disney World. After ten years, he retired from his position and moved to Universal Orlando, also as a group travel coordinator. Jim and Alvi built a home in Belle Isle, where Jim began his years of service on various community boards, serving terms as President of Sertoma International Central Branch and Pine Castle Center of the Arts. He also volunteered with the “American Cancer Society,” the “Arthritis Foundation,” and “Heavenly Hooves,” while also spending several Thanksgivings feeding the homeless. Jim retired from Universal Orlando seven years ago to enjoy time with his family and friends. Jim considered his greatest accomplishment to be his two sons, Michael and Brian, whom he loved with all his heart. That love and pride extended to his talented daughter-in-law, Shari, and his beautiful granddaughter, Chianna. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Ann, his parents, James Sr. and his mother, “Lady Bea”, his sister, Jean Kelm and brother-in-law, George, along with many family members and friends. Jim was a giving soul and a man who enjoyed a life well lived.

James Allen McConahay Jr.

December 9, 1941 - July 15, 2020