Obituary of PFC James Baxter McCoy

Funeral services for PFC James Baxter McCoy will be held Monday, April 27, 2009, at First Presbyterian Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. James Baxter McCoy, 21, the son of Bryan Lloyd McCoy and Jody L. (Jontz) McCoy, was born December 26, 1987, in Iowa City, Iowa. He was a former resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and graduated from Haynesville, Louisiana Senior High School, Class of 2007 and attended Southern Arkansas University Tech and Southern Arkansas University. James enlisted in U.S. Army. He received his basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas with the 1st Calvary Division. He was home on leave, having served in Iraq. James loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed rock climbing and playing frisbee golf. James was a devoted son and loved his family and friends. James died on Tuesday afternoon, April 21, 2009, at his home in Minnesota. He was 21 years old. James was preceded in death by his uncle, Jerry Jontz. Those left to honor James' memory include his mother, Jody L. Jontz McCoy of Minnetonka, Minnesota; his father and step mother, Bryan L. and Lynne McCoy of Haynesville, Louisiana; his half sister, Alyson McCoy; his step brothers, Matt Modrak and Derek Modrak; his maternal grandparents, Warren L. and Macy J. Jontz of Newton; his paternal grandparents, Jon and Beverly McCoy of Sun Lakes, Arizona and his many great friends.