James Patrick "Rick" McGough Jr.

James Patrick "Rick" McGough, Jr., 73 of Sterling, VA passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024 after a tough battle against esophageal cancer. He was born October 13, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in Southampton, Bucks County, PA. He was happily married to Patricia Hall McGough for 9 years. He was the eldest son of James, Sr., and Rita Maloney McGough and had four siblings: Kathy McGough, Dennis McGough (Sachiko), Michael McGough and Eileen Consiglio (Mike). Rick earned an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts/German from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA and earned a master's degree in Intercultural Communication from the University of Illinois-Chicago. He also acquired a Project Management Professional Certification (PMP). Rick had 40+ years of project management, particularly in aircraft lease projects. He performed as a project consultant for two start up air carriers in New York and a startup aviation services company in the Washington area. Rick worked as a general manager in globe aviation security at Washington Dulles International Airport. He went on to work as an Armed Access Control Officer, managing the security operation for access to customer sites on behalf of the client. In the last 5 years, Rick pursued an opportunity at Tech USA as an Information Technology Desktop Project Manager. He took on the challenge to become a valuable collaborator to plan and manage acquisition, installation and upgrading of hardware and software projects for a government client. Rick was an adventurer who loved life and always wanted to explore, or just have a beer with friends. He was a private pilot and enjoyed scuba diving. He was an avid sports fan, especially devoted to the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a ferocious reader, studying languages and travelling the world. He eagerly absorbed the richness of other cultures, and proudly mastered the skill of blending in with the locals. He had a working knowledge of several languages. In addition to his wife, Rick is survived by his children, Sean McGough, Michelle McGough, Amanda Windish (husband Lance Windish), and Kevin Billings, a grandson Damian, and a granddaughter, Blair. He is also survived by his niece and nephews. His laugh and his story telling will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Rick's Life will be held on September 22, 2024, from 12:00 – 3:00 pm at Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm at 42920 Broadlands Blvd., Broadlands, VA 20148. In lieu of flowers, you may give a contribution to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street Winchester, VA 22601 or to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org. Arrangements are by Phelps Funeral & Cremation Service.

James Patrick "Rick" McGough Jr.

October 13, 1950 - July 6, 2024