James M Degnan, Iii

Jim was a consummate gentleman, businessman, veteran, penny-pincher, jazz pianist, pilot, sailor, barbershop singer, world traveler, civic volunteer, Irish reveler, cyclist, runner, short-cut handyman, cancer survivor, husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin; a man whose life was very well lived with all-out energy.

James Michael (Jim) Degnan, III passed peacefully on January 25, 2025. He was born in East Orange, New Jersey on June 18, 1933, to parents, James M. Degnan, Jr. and Constance Berno Degnan. Jim grew up in Detroit and Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan but selected Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana for his college preparatory education. He chose Denison University in Granville, Ohio for his BA, graduating in 1955. Jim was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

One year after graduation, Jim was drafted by the U.S. Army. While his troop ship was enroute from California to Germany, Jim formed a performance troupe to entertain those onboard. Thanks to the influence of a general’s daughter, who was a passenger, his military assignment as a radio operator was significantly redirected. Though he reported to his station in Würzburg, Germany, he spent most of the remainder of his military service performing at army bases across Europe with the members of his troupe. During his time in Würzburg, he was closely befriended by the Ekhardt family and stayed in touch with them for the remainder of his life.

Jim began his career at RCA and Bendix corporations following his Army service. He had a temporary assignment in Dallas in the early 60’s and he loved the vibe of this city. He married and returned to Dallas permanently in 1965, settling into family life with Mary Ellen Kearney Degnan, raising four children and participating in many social and civic activities. The family found a second home at Cedar Creek Lake where they enjoyed most weekends. Not long after settling in Dallas Jim decided to become an independent manufacturer’s representative for the budding semiconductor chip industry, carrying lines of clean room equipment. In1968, he named his business Technical Processes Company. Inspired by his beloved uncle, Paul Berno, who gave him his first private plane ride in 1955, he decided to become an airplane pilot and licensed instructor. His love of flight led him to airplane ownership, giving him the ability to fly across the country to serve his clients and bring his family along for vacations in California, Michigan and Massachusetts.

Jim was one of the initial members of the Cooper Fitness Center of Dallas and he remained a loyal member until 1998. He served on the City of Dallas Board of Adjustments and held a board position at the Dallas Arboretum. Jim joined the Irish American Society, the German American Club of Dallas, the Big D Chorus and the Town North Barbershop Chorus (later, the Men of Note). In 1990 he joined the Commemorative Air Force, focusing on both maintenance and flying. In 1993 he became a member of the Vocal Majority and was active for 24 years. Jim also joined Antares Yacht Club where he met Antoinette (Toni), his wife of 30 years.

Jim and Toni married in 1994 and traveled the world together over the next 25 years. They moved to Plano in 1996, and he again became involved in civic activities, serving on his local HOA board and both the City of Plano Board of Adjustments and the Building Standards Commission. Jim joined the Plano Mustang Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol in 2000 and followed by Angel Flight’s South-Central unit in 2004, flying patients to Houston for cancer treatment at M. D. Anderson Hospital and acting as a dispatcher for AF missions following hurricane Katrina. Jim also formed a jam-band at the Plano Senior Center in the late ‘90’s. They were called the Honey-Doo's. The band kept growing in membership, eventually becoming the Kings of Swing dance band. It is a joyful legacy.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Antoinette Dorriere Degnan, his daughters Mary Degnan, Catharine Lysinger, Julia Degnan (partner, Patrick Devlin), son James M. Degnan, IV and stepson Marc Faletti (partner, Amanda Marcotte). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jake, Remi and Rhys Hopkins (Julia); Abigail and Sophie Lysinger (Catharine); Sarah and Hannah Degnan (James); Jim’s sister Constance Degnan von Bernthal (husband, Hans), two nieces, two nephews and their children.

The family will hold a private service and inurnment at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church officiated by Fr. Jack Hopka. Jim’s memorial service and reception will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Heritage Farmstead Museum (Plano TX), the Dallas-Ft. Worth Wing of the Commemorative Air Force or charity of choice.

The family offers their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Brookdale Collin Oaks Senior Living and Anchor of Hope Hospice Care for their devotion to Jim’s well-being and family support.