James A. McGill

James "Jim" A. McGill, 81, of Springfield, passed away at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Memorial Medical Center. Jim was born December 11, 1928 in Springfield, the son of Joseph D. and Edith M. Dupy McGill. Jim graduated from Springfield High School and attended Bradley University. He received his Bachelors Degree from Sangamon State University in 1995 and his Masters Degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield and was awarded the Senior Recipient Award from both. He proudly served his country in the Marines and the Army during WWII and during the Korean War, respectively. He retired from both Sangamo Electric and UIS. Jim was a life member of the Springfield Civic Garden Club, served on the Southern View board for twelve years, was a Boy Scout leader, and assisted with the local Daily Bread program for many years. He was an inquisitive and inventive man who always had a project going. He was a race fan and had attended the Indy 500 for many years. He enjoyed gardening, John Wayne movies and being Mr. Handyman. He is preceded in death by his father; and his former wife, Martha H. Whitaker-McGill, with whom he remained friends with until her passing four years ago. He is survived by his mother, Edith of Springfield; his sister, Beth (Stu) Dobbs of Carlinville; his brother, Lynn (Arnan) McGill of Franklin, TN; his children, Patric (Sandi) McGill of Phoenix, AZ, Madeline (John) Gumble, Marianne (Mark Gumble) Smith and Marilyn (Tom) Murphy, all of Springfield and Jamie (Sue) McGill of Glenarm; twelve grandchildren, Todd, Melissa, Scott, Dan, Drew, Leon, Tommy, Nick, Renae, Rachel, Nolan and Molly; seven great-grandchildren, Nick, Brandon, Dillon, Stephanie, Hannah and Evitt; and four nieces and nephews. It was Jim's wish to have his body donated to the Anatomical Gift Association in Chicago to assist in science and medical advancements. A memorial gathering will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St, Springfield. A memorial ceremony will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Vaughn Beeman officiating and military honors by the Department of Defense. Burial will be held at a later date at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Civic Garden Club, P.O. Box 9502, Springfield, IL 62791 or the Senior Service Center, 701 W. Mason, Springfield, IL 62702.