James Patrick "Jim" McGee

James Patrick “Jim” McGee, Sr., age 69, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 5, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jim lived a life defined by kindness, humor, faith, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. Whether through a story, a joke, or one of his trademark sayings, he had a way of leaving people smiling long after the conversation ended. Jim was the proud father of James P. “Bo” McGee, Jr. and his wife Michelle McGee of Hastings, Florida, and Jean Marie Debees and her husband Marwan Debees of Riverview, Florida. His children, whom he shared with Katherine Ferrand, were what he would tell anyone were his greatest accomplishment. His greatest joy was being “PaPa” to his grandchildren: Amber Parker of Newport News, Virginia; Patrick and Colby Leth of St. Augustine, Florida; Zakariya Debees of Riverview, Florida; and Alivia and RJ McGee of St. Augustine. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, River and Isabella. Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his family, sharing stories, and creating memories with those he loved. Jim is survived by his siblings Jeanette Rackliff, John McGee, Michael McGee, and Paul McGee. He was preceded in death by his parents, John P. McGee and Regina Cholakis Weatherby, and his sister, Joanne McGee. A master craftsman in stained glass, Jim possessed an extraordinary artistic talent, transforming ordinary pieces of glass into beautiful works of art. He loved sharing stories, making people laugh, and spending time with his family and friends. In retirement, he found great joy working alongside his son, Bo, at Bo McGee’s Tractor Service. When asked about employment, Jim would simply smile and say he was “playing in the sandbox with my son.” Family and friends will fondly remember the phrases that became part of who he was. Whether offering encouragement with a heartfelt “God love ya,” reminding someone to “pull your parachute,” or stopping a story with “hold the phone and back the truck up,” or stopping mid-sentence and redirecting his thought saying “I hear you, Lord,” Jim had a way of making people smile and feel at ease. A man of Christian faith, Jim believed in treating people with kindness and compassion. He lived by the simple idea that it was always better to build people up than tear them down. His generosity, encouragement, and love left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though his family will miss his voice, his stories, and his daily presence, they find comfort knowing that his lessons, laughter, and love will remain with them always. Family and friends are invited to join us on June 27 as we celebrate the life of our dad, James P. “Jim” McGee. Service: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Celebration of Life: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 120 Yelvington Road Hastings, FL Please follow the signs to the celebration location.

James Patrick "Jim" McGee

October 5, 1956 - June 1, 2026