James R. McCoy, 78, of Endicott, New York, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on April 20, 1948, in Endicott, New York, Jim lived a life defined by hard work, entrepreneurship, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. A respected businessman, restaurateur, mentor, and friend, he left an enduring mark on the Southern Tier through both his professional accomplishments and the countless lives he influenced.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James McCoy and Shirley McCoy.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa McCoy.
His children, Josh McCoy, Kellianne Milliner (Dave), Megan McCoy (Sean Walsh), and Ryan McCoy (Bernice), whom he shared with Mary Simonson, the mother of his children; and his stepchildren, Michael Aikey (Devon) and Troy Aikey (Sarah) and his brother, Tom McCoy (Marge).
He was a proud grandfather to Michael, Casey, Kaitlyn, Allison, Madelyn, Jonathan “Jack” McCoy Walsh, Isabella, Carlos James “CJ,” Emmett, and Callum. Watching his family grow and celebrating their accomplishments brought him immeasurable joy.
It was at the Number 5 restaurant where met the love of his life, Lisa. The two shared 10 cherished years as husband and wife together. He often said she 'never knew how deep his love was' for her, and he was endlessly thankful for the way she cared for him, with such devotion. The two built a home together with their well referenced puppies, Sonny and Cher.
Jim’s entrepreneurial vision helped shape the dining and hospitality landscape throughout the Southern Tier. During his distinguished career he owned and operated numerous successful businesses, including McCoy’s Chop House, Number Five in Binghamton (aforementioned), which opened in 1978, Number Five of Scranton, McCoy’s Dockside, Lampy’s Mediterranean Grill, and Dion’s at the Hotel De’Ville. He was also a partner in the Hotel De’Ville and a proud part owner of the Binghamton Whalers and Binghamton Rangers, helping bring professional hockey to the community he loved.
While Jim was proud of the businesses he built, he was even more proud of the people he helped build.
His employees were never simply employees—they became family. Jim possessed an extraordinary ability to recognize potential in others long before they recognized it in themselves. He mentored countless young people, encouraged them to pursue opportunities they never thought possible, celebrated their accomplishments, and was always willing to offer guidance—or write a heartfelt letter of recommendation—when someone needed a helping hand. He believed that success meant very little unless you were helping someone else achieve theirs.
His generosity extended well beyond the walls of his businesses. Throughout his life he quietly supported charitable organizations, community fundraisers, youth programs, and neighbors in need. One of his favorite traditions was hosting an annual free Customer Appreciation Dinner every Christmas Eve, welcoming the community to gather around a meal together. For many families, it became as much a part of Christmas as the holiday itself and reflected Jim’s deep appreciation for the people who had supported him over the years.
Jim had a gift that could not be taught. He rarely forgot a face, and whether it had been weeks or years since he had last seen someone, he had an incredible ability to make that person feel remembered. He greeted friends with a warm handshake, a hug, or a kiss on the cheek, and if Jim was talking with you, you felt like you were the only person in the room.
Conversation with Jim was never just conversation. There was always a story waiting to be told—usually one that left everyone laughing, but almost always carrying a lesson hidden beneath the humor. His quick wit, perfectly timed one-liners, and ability to find laughter in everyday life made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. Family members lovingly joked that birthdays were never Jim’s strongest suit—he could usually narrow yours down to a three-day window—but while dates occasionally escaped him, people never did. No matter the time of day or how busy he was there was always time for a call from his kids.
Jim was fiercely competitive. Friends and family knew that driving past another restaurant with a fuller parking lot than one of his was enough to motivate him to work even harder. Excellence was never accidental to Jim; it was something he pursued every single day.
One of Jim’s favorite lines came from the movie A Bronx Tale: “There is nothing sadder in life than wasted talent.” It was far more than a favorite quote—it became his philosophy. Jim believed every person was born with unique gifts, and he challenged those around him to discover them, develop them, and never allow fear or complacency to keep them from becoming all they were capable of being.
His children grew up hearing what became known simply as “The Big Five.” They were Jim’s guiding principles for life:
• Study hard and get good grades.
• Work out and play sports.
• Stay away from drugs.
• Find someone to love and build a life with. (His sons remember this advice being delivered much more colorfully, while his daughters laughingly recall being told to stay away from boys.)
• Be Aggressive.
To Jim, “Be Aggressive” never meant stepping on other people. It meant attacking life with courage and conviction. It meant chasing your dreams relentlessly, loving your family beyond all else, exceeding expectations, being a loyal friend, mentoring others, and refusing to waste the talents God had given you. It became the foundation upon which he encouraged his children—and so many others—to build their lives.
Despite the demands of owning multiple businesses, Jim’s greatest priority was always his family. He rarely missed a sporting event, recital, graduation, First Communion, Confirmation, or milestone in the lives of his children. Later, he brought that same enthusiasm and devotion to his grandchildren, proudly cheering them on in every season of their lives. His presence at life’s important moments spoke volumes about the father and grandfather he chose to be.
Jim spent his life building things that lasted. He built restaurants that became gathering places. He built businesses that created opportunities. He built careers by believing in people before they believed in themselves. He built friendships that endured for decades. Above all, he built a family whose love, values, and strength will continue to reflect the example he set every day of his life.
Although his restaurants served countless meals, his greatest gift was making people feel welcome. Although he achieved extraordinary success in business, his proudest accomplishment was never found in a balance sheet or a building. It was found in the people whose lives were better because he had been part of them.
Jim will be remembered for his generosity, his laughter, his stories, his leadership, and his unwavering belief that there is greatness waiting inside every person willing to pursue it. His legacy lives on in his family, the countless friendships he nurtured, the careers he helped shape, and a community forever changed because Jim McCoy called it home. For those that knew him best and, in his honor, “I’m done talking now.”
The family will welcome friends and loved ones Tuesday, July 7th at Leon Pucedo Funeral Home between 4:00p and 7:00p. There will be a private burial service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in James McCoy's name to Guthrie Hospice and the Broome County Humane Society.
