Jay Evans McCosh

Jay Evans McCosh took his final breaths on earth, on July 16, 2025 with his wife and sons at his side.

Jay was born to Virginia (Evans) and Joe McCosh on October 10, 1936 on Chicago’s south side. After graduating from Hirsch High School, where he played basketball and ran track, Jay ventured to Boulder, Colorado to attend the University of Colorado to study Geology, with the hope of entering the oil industry. During his senior year he was offered a job in Minnesota and he returned to the Midwest where he worked and served in the Minnesota Army National Guard as an artilleryman. Jay spent the remainder of his career in mortgage banking across the Midwest, in Philadelphia, PA and Miami, Florida. When he and his family moved to Coral Springs, Florida in the 1970’s he was swept up into the running boom and went on to complete many marathons including New York City, Chicago, the Orange Bowl (Miami) and the Last Resort (Key West). His boys caught the running bug from Jay and continue to log miles as he did. Jay and Kay retired to Live Oak, Florida in 1994 and transitioned to Fayetteville, NC in 2012. Jay’s life was marked by his joyous personality, gracious spirit, deep faith and keen sense of humor.

His greatest love was his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father, and a doting and joyful Grandpa / Vovo/ Paga and recently learned he has great-grandchildren on the way. Jay is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathryn (Kay) Walston McCosh, his two sons, Grant E. (Fernanda) and Scot (Paula); 7 Grandchildren: Grant B. (Megan), Kate (Dawson), Hunter, George, Jamauri, Jarrod and Michael.

While he will be deeply missed, his legacy of love and joy will be carried on by those who knew him best – laughing often and loving much, as he did.

In his honor, in lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church’s Backpack Buddy ministry of which Jay was a part for over 10 years. Additionally, the family requests that you continue to reach out to Kay and call her to schedule visits in the weeks and months ahead.

There are no services scheduled for Mr. McCosh at this time.  Due to respect for families we serve, Pinecrest does not give out addresses or phone numbers for privacy reasons. If you do not have contact information, feel free to contact our office at (910) 429-1011 or send cards to: Pinecrest Funeral and Cremation Services, P. O. 462, Hope Mills, NC 28348. We will forward any cards or messages to the McCosh family, and they will contract you directly as they navigate through the coming months without Mr. McCosh.