James F. McCarthy
The family and staff of Harborside Press mourn the loss of former colleague, and forever friend James F. McCarthy, who passed away after a brief illness on June 23, 2017.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 7, 1929, to John A. and Eda K. McCarthy, Jim was a graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory High School and Fordham University. He subsequently carved out a successful career in medical publishing and was a founding partner of Dominus Publishing, spearheading several professional trade journals in the field of oncology, including Your Patient and Cancer, Primary Care & Cancer, and ONCOLOGY . These became leading publications in medical publishing under his editorial supervision.
Later, Dominus Publishing partnered with PRR of Huntington, New York, where Jim continued as Editorial Director until his retirement in 2004. Even in retirement Jim stayed engaged in publishing, offering his editorial expertise in the development and launch of the Journal of Supportive Care in Cancer, Journal of Community Oncology, and The ASCO Post.
Celebrating a Life Well Lived
Upon learning of his death, many individuals in the oncology community who worked with Jim over the years expressed their admiration for his intelligence and kindness, remembering him fondly as a true friend.
Richard Pazdur, MD, Acting Director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, and Director of FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence, said “I remember Jim from my days at The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, where we started the popular handbook, Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach. I will have very fond memories of him throughout my life.” Steve Rosen, MD, Provost and Chief Scientific Officer at City of Hope, who had worked under Jim’s editorial direction when he was Editor-in-Chief of Oncology News International, said “Jim was a true gentleman. Every moment I shared with him was joyous.” And James Mulshine, MD, Vice President for Research at Rush University Medical Center, and former Editor-in-Chief of Primary Care & Cancer, which was also launched under Jim’s editorial direction, said, “Jim was such a kind and gentle person. He was the kind of old school individual the world so sorely misses today.”
Leaving A Lasting Legacy
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Madeline, with whom he was married for 66 years, and with whom he had 10 children: Theresa Kaplan, Christine Kurdziel, Eda Levy, Megan Rosato, Virginia Cronin, Victoria, Andrew, Nancy, Monica, and the late Michael McCarthy. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren.
In remembrance of his late grandson, Luke Rosato, who died of neuroblastoma at the age of 12, Jim closed all of his correspondence with a sentiment Luke had expressed before his death: “Have joy, happiness, laughter, and good memories every day. And helpful thoughts every day.”
Jim lived a life of principle, joy, and happiness, and he will be remembered for his decency, kindness, and good will. He was loved deeply by all who knew him, and he will be missed dearly. We are consoled by the lasting legacy he leaves behind: family, friendship, and good memories.
For all of us who were fortunate to have known and worked with Jim, we will also miss his sense of humor; his loyalty to his family, friends, colleagues, and community; his civility; and what some may now consider his old-fashioned cordiality. Jim’s compassion for others and his professionalism are another part of the legacy he leaves behind and that will not be forgotten. ■
In Memoriam
James F. McCarthy
January 7, 1929 – June 23, 2017
