O’SHEA’S OTHER ‘IRISHMAN’ HANGS UP HIS TOOLBELT

Superintendent Jim McCann is officially retired. O’Shea Team News sat down with Jim and Mike O’Shea to talk about a few career highlights.

When did Jim start working at O’Shea?

Mike: In 1987, Jim joined our team as a carpenter apprentice. Work became slow, and we laid him off. As things picked up later, we tried to rehire him, but a competitor offered him a year of work and, understandably, he didn’t want to burn a bridge in leaving. Twenty years later, he came to an O’Shea jobsite again, and we were glad to have him back.

Describe one of your first experiences or jobs at O’Shea.

Jim: I remember sitting at the 10 1/2 Street Office, which, at the time, Bud, Helene, Dave Copp, and Billy Steinhour were the only employees in the office. Bud was getting materials ready for a job. I watched him weigh the materials on a scale and put them in containers and count out 2X4s and plywood. I remember thinking if I bend too many nails I’m in big trouble.

Also worth noting, this was my first job at O’Shea, and I was still an apprentice, so I was a little intimidated not only by the job itself, but also by the other employees I worked with that day. In addition, I knew Bud had a reputation that every project was done right, so I wanted make a good impression.

My first O’Shea job included me, Billy Steinhour, David O’Shea II, and Mike O’Shea. We were fixing a house that caught on fire because of lightning. David and Mike were onsite to help shingle the roof because rain was in the forecast.

Any favorite memories?

Jim: I have a lot! Every job was always a challenge, but it was always fun. I seemed to get a lot of nicknames from them, like “Jungle Jim, the Flame, Jerome,” and a few I won’t mention.

Any notable projects?

Jim: The Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur (pictured left) was the most fun place I worked at. I remember asking Amber Kaylor, the director, why all the kids cried when they left, and she said that’s the sound of a satisfied customer.

What will you miss the most about O’Shea?

Jim: Of course, I’ll miss everything. I’ve had this routine for 38 years, and I’ve loved every second of it – the tornadoes, the “hurricanes,” and the late night phone calls for job break-ins and flooded spaces. But in the end, I’ll miss my O’Shea family the most.

Mike: Now since Jim has shared what he’ll miss most about O’Shea, I’d like to share a few final thoughts on what I’ll miss. I appreciate Jim’s calm demeanor and ability to build trust with our clients on every project where he served as superintendent and created client loyalty. I admire him living out our Core Values. Finally, I’ll miss Jim’s engaging personality; he is always upbeat when we interact.

What will be doing in your free time?

Jim: I’m not sure. I owe somebody a lot of time that I always said I’ll get to that, and the phone would ring. Now, I’ll get to spend time with my wife, Kelly, my children, and grandson.