James McGinnis Obituary

James C. McGinnis

James C. McGinnis, 85, of Tiffin, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, in Cape Coral, Florida.

Jim was born May 8, 1940, in Harpster, to Clifford McGinnis and Helen (Lininger) McGinnis. He married Jean E. (Beard) McGinnis in 1964, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage last fall.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children, Ronald (Lisa) McGinnis of Bloomville and Milissa McGinnis (Robert Krisko) of Cape Coral, Florida; his grandchildren, Adam McGinnis of Bloomville, Megan (Kurtis) Reichert of Attica, and Matthew Krisko of Cape Coral, Florida; a sister, Carolyn Margraf of Sycamore; a brother, Richard (Laraine) McGinnis of Kentwood, Michigan; several nieces and a nephew. Jim was expecting to welcome his first great-grandchild this spring.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Clifford and Helen McGinnis; half brothers, Donald and Eugene McGinnis; nephews, Larry and Jerry Margraf; brothers-in-law, Stanley Margraf and Melvin Zellner; and sister-in-law, Sharon Zellner.

After graduating from Sycamore High School in 1958, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman. He served domestically and in South Korea until 1961, when he was honorably discharged. Upon returning home, Jim worked at R. R. Donnelly and Sons in Willard for a time, then farmed until he retired in 2005. He was a former member of St. John's (Baseline) United Church of Christ and Bloomville Young Farmers.

Jim loved to golf, boat, camp, play cards, spend time with family and friends, and travel. He had a lifelong dream of seeing the world, so he and Jean traveled frequently, eventually visiting all seven continents. When they weren't traveling, both loved to spend winters in their Cape Coral, Florida home.

Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, zest for life, and love of family and friends. His laugh was infectious, and he could talk to anyone.

At his request, there will be no visitation, but condolences may be sent to Jean or other family members. A private family memorial service will be this summer at Pleasant View Cemetery in Sycamore.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or a charity that benefits veterans, at the donor's discretion.