James Lewis McGee

James Lewis McGee, born January 24, 1931 in Omaha, Neb., spent his early years living as a “good ol’ South O Boy”.  He enlisted in the Coast Guard, stationed in Boston, Mass., where he married his sweetheart of many years, Anna Lee “Candy” Harden McGee in the summer of 1951.  He and Anna Lee were quick to start a family, which was fitting, as James always adored kids.  He adored them so much they had six by the time the youngest came along in 1960.  James Jr. is the eldest, followed by Mary McGee Forster, Susan McGee Perkins, Michelle McGee (deceased), Lisa McGee Liss and Paula McGee.  He instilled the treasure of family in his kids and guided them to have a strong work ethic and backbones made of Irish steel.  After his stint in the Coast Guard, he moved his family to the quiet small town of Manitou Springs, Colo.  While in Colorado he attended Colorado College before deciding to return to his roots in Nebraska.  Upon returning to Omaha, he graduated from the Omaha University, at the age of 33 with six kids in tow. He worked for Champion Spark Plugs which paved the way for him owning his own business in Blair, Neb., 16th Street Auto Parts.

After his clan had all graduated from high school, the mountains began to call Jim and Anna Lee again. They returned to Colorado taking residence in another small town, Woodland Park, Colo.  James quickly found himself at home working in the tire department of Sears.  After years of hard work he finally retired in 1991.  By that time, his children had slowly moved to Colorado as well, and the grandkids had overtaken his heart.  He spent his retired years spoiling his grandkids rotten.  His shoulders endured many hours of little legs perched on them, as well as countless loving smacks to his head.  Riding on his shoulders was a sacred place to the grandkids and will forever be cherished.  It taught them to never settle and reach for the stars. His stomach would turn from the hours he would spend riding the twisting and jolting amusement park rides or tire swings at the park.  But it never slowed him down or stopped him – there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to make his grandkids smile. 

In 2008 the first great grandkid came along and in the dusk of his life he was adored by three more.  James passed February 5, 2019 at the age of 88 in Colorado Springs, Colo.  He leaves behind a large loving family that will miss him dearly everyday.  He was more than just a husband, dad, grandpa or great grandpa – he was the McGee family’s North Star.  He’ll forever guide the way home for the ones he loved.

A memorial service will be organized by James P. McGee (Larkspur, CO) at a later date.

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