James Glover McGhee

James Glover McGhee Jr., 88, of Darien, died Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Senior Care in Brunswick. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Darien with The Very Rev. Ted Clarkson and Rev. George Bower officiating. A reception will follow in the St. Andrews Parrish Hall following the service.

Born October 30, 1924 in Rome, Georgia to the late James Glover and Martha Long McGhee, he was a retired partner of the law firm of Swift, Currie, McGhee, and Hiers in Atlanta. A Veteran of the United States Army, Mr. McGhee enlisted in the Shore Artillery, was commissioned into the Horse Cavalry, and served as a Combat Engineer during WWII in North Africa and Italy, attaining the rank of Captain. After serving his country he graduated from Emory University Law School in 1949 with an LLB, and was admitted to the State Bar the same year.

Mr. McGhee was a private pilot and also specialized in Aviation Law. He was a member of the Atlanta and American Bar Associations; the State Bar of Georgia (Chairman, Aviation Section, 1981-1982); the Lawyers Club of Atlanta (President, 1967-1968); the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association (President, 1982-1984) and a Trustee of the Atlanta Lawyers Foundation.

After retiring from law practice, Mr. McGhee moved to Darien and spent the last 14 years living in Coastal Georgia. A member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, he was active in numerous hobbies including scuba diving, wine making, beekeeping, and carpentry. He and his wife Joanne, also a private pilot, flew their Cessna for many hours in North and South America, enjoying exploring different cultures and regions. Joanne said “they lived life to the fullest.” In addition to his parents, Mr. McGhee was preceded in death by a daughter, Janelle McGhee and two sisters, Jane Beh and Nancy Magruder.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joanne Rae McGhee of Darien, a daughter, Martha McGhee Glisson and husband Rick, of Atlanta, two grandchildren, Daniel and JoAnne Glisson and a great grandchild, Jace Bishop Glisson.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to HART Inc. P.O. Box 936, Darien, GA 31305. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com.