James J. (Jim) McCaughna was a dedicated, active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Kevin Barry Division No. 3 for nearly 30 Years. He enthusiastically gave his time and talents in elected offices, as well as in any other capacity he could help the organization. Several years ago, while reading applications to help the Scholarship Comittee choose a recepient of the annual scholarship, Jim mentioned that he would like to give a scholarship someday.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY. When his father returned from the Navy in 1946, the family moved to Indianapolis, where his father, a pharmacist, had attended Butler University. He graduated from St. Joan of Arc Grade School, Cathedral High School, and attended Indiana University. In 2004, he retired from Amtrak Railroad after forty years of employment.

Jim was proud of his Irish heritage on both sides of his family. 

Jim’s contributions to the Ancient Order of Hibernians were extensive. He was awarded the “Hibernian of the Year” Award in 1991. Jim was a member of the Celtic Cross Committee. He had been elected to almost every office in the organization, including three terms as President. He was the Standing Committee Chairman (the social event planning committee) for so many years that he joked that he was never able to sit down. Jim worked for the Division at the Indianapolis Irish Fest for many years, once being the chairman. He also had been chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Committee on three occasions. His commitment to keeping the AOH financially stable resulted in him starting the St. Patrick’s Day raffle, the same raffle that we are all hoping to win today. At that time, there were no address or return address labels, and the stamps did not self adhere. It took several days to get the chances ready for mailing. Jim even conducted the raffle while serving in other AOH offices. One of the active AOH members has given a great description of Jim’s dedication to the Hibernians. He said, “whenever Jim McCaughna was asked to do something for the organization he would say, how soon do you need it?”. In 2015 Jim McCaughna was awarded the AOH, Kevin Barry Division No. 3 “Presidents’ Award”.

Receiving the “President’s Award” was the last time Jim was able to actively participate with his brother Hibernians. He died on Oct. 3, 2019.

Jim, your family is giving this annual scholarship in your name. We want you to coninue to be able to contibute to the organization. You made it easy for us to know how you would like to be remembered.