Obituary of James McGee

   James Mark McGee, of Oak Park, IL, died on Tuesday, July 12, 2023. 

   James was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. James was born on November 30, 1949 in Dixon, Il , the son of Frank McGee and Elizabeth (Bemis) Sears. He graduated from Larkin High School in Elgin, IL. James honorably served in the army from 1969 -1971, where he served in the Vietnam War. He was awarded multiple medals and accolades including two Bronze Stars. After his service, he attended and graduated from Northern Illinois University. He was employed by Caine & Weiner where he will be missed for his dedication and ability to lead others. 

   In his free time, James loved to be with his family and adored his children and grandchildren. He found great joy in the ability to make others laugh with his great sense of humor. He loved being with his close friends and cherished those relationships. He also loved traveling to see family, fishing, reading, and playing cards any chance he had. He especially enjoyed his lake trips to Wisconsin. 

   He is survived by his children, daughter Rebecca Poulsen and son-in-law Matthew Poulsen, of Magnolia, AR; daughter Katherine Merrill, of Sterling, IL; son Marcus McGee of Chicago, IL; his sister, Beth White of Fort Worth, TX; his brother, David McGee of Seaside OR; grandchildren, Brody, AJ, Mikey, Bree, Aiden, Ellie, and Emmie; Mary Jo Johnson (mother of Rebecca and Katherine), Susan McGee (mother of Marcus), and Laura Bogdan. He is preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Sears; his father Frank McGee; brothers Robin Sears, Daniel Sears, and Frank Sears Jr.; son-in-law Dustin Merrill; and maternal and paternal grandparents. 

   A celebration of life will be held at The Little Gem Cafe 189 N. Marion St. Oak Park, IL 60301 from 4pm to 8pm On Thursday, July 20, 2023. Heavy hor d'oeuvres will be served throughout the night and memories will be shared at 6:30 pm. James will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC per his heart’s desire at a later date. A memorial will be established for immediate family expenses to travel to Arlington National Cemetery for his interment. Memorial donations can be sent to Beth White at 5232 Distant View, Fort Worth, TX, 76123.