James M. Gollihugh, 63, passed away in San Jose, California on August 1, 2011 from an injury sustained in a bicycling accident. He was surrounded by family and friends and was spending time doing the things that made him happiest in life. With Jim’s passing, he brought the gift of life to others through organ donation.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Anna Marjorie Gollihugh. They had known each other since the 2nd grade. In a letter to his family, Jim wrote, “All my life is full of magic-because for not a single moment in my life was I not cared for. Our marriage was the smartest and best thing I accomplished in my life.”
He is also survived by his two beautiful daughters, Natalie and Kelly, three grandchildren, Kylee, Jake and Anna, two son in laws, Dan and Gregg, his father in law, Benton, his three brothers, Ray, Roger, and Vernon, and one sister, Phyllis. His family filled his heart with love, pride and fond memories From sharing his love of business and having had the opportunity to work with his daughters, to the joy of spending time together, watching Jake play soccer, Anna compete in gymnastics, Kylee excel at Virginia Tech and begin to explore law school, or taking on new adventures with Dan, Jim relished the time they shared no matter what they were doing. Simple traditions and pleasures brought the most joy like a visit each spring to see his father-in-law, Benton Hoak. They shared Long Island iced tea and he would find time to just sit on his favorite beach and smoke his cigars.
His passion for life, learning and moving forward he shared with his family, closest friends, and esteemed business colleagues. He lived life to the fullest, traveling, trying new adventures and making a positive impact.
A brilliant and insightful businessman, he valued education and learning. At 17, Jim joined the Air force. His pride of service and his country were important to him. He graduated from University of Tampa with a B.S. in Economics while serving in the U. S. Air Force, M.B.A. from the Xavier University Graduate School of Business, attended Salmon P. Chase College of Law, and is a Certified Public Accountant and a California Real Estate Broker. He was a registered representative and licensed to deal in securities (series 79 and 63) relating to business transfer sales, investment banking, and corporate finance.
Jim had a passion, drive and focus for business and deal making. From a modest and humble beginning, he had a work ethic and a talent for business and sales from an early age. He was a very successful entrepreneur who left a lasting and positive impression on people. He was the Managing Director (CEO) and founder of MRCworldwide, a merchant bank and M&A Advisory firm based in Southern California. Mr. Gollihugh had 36 years of financial and business experience structuring and negotiating private equity investments. He managed hundreds of merger and acquisition transactions ranging from major joint ventures to advising corporations on financial and strategic acquisitions and dispositions. His career brought him great personal and intellectual gratification as well as many close and respected friends.
Donations can be made to the Orange County Community Foundation for the James M. Gollihugh Memorial Fund: 4041 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 510, Newport Beach, CA 92660; or via their Web site http://www.oc-cf.org/. The memorial funds will establish a scholarship, in his name, for higher education, a legacy which was profoundly important to Jim.
