Thursday, March 28, 2024

James Joseph McGinnis

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James Joseph McGinnis, 90, longtime resident of Leavenworth, Washington, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018, surrounded by loving family.
Jim was born Nov. 21, 1927, to Kathleen Cullen and Roy Leo McGinnis in Spokane, Washington. He attended Seattle Prep and graduated from the University of Washington School of Business. A proud Husky and member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
After college Jim joined the Navy. Lt. j.g. James Joseph McGinnis was awarded a Gold Star for service in the Korean War. He flew “Panther” F9F-5 planes in combat off the carriers USS Boxer (CV21) and USS Lake Champlain (CV39) including the final bombing run of the war in July 1953. After the war, Jim returned home and married Dolores A. Brainerd on July 17, 1954. Jim and Dolores raised their five children in the Laurelhurst area within blocks of his parents and his brothers families, spending summers on Sunlight Beach, Whidbey Island.
Jim’s love and knowledge of boats of all kinds led him to his career path. He started working for Chris Craft in Seattle, then soon opened his own business, James J. McGinnis Yacht Sales on Lake Union.
Jim married Janet Ward in 1987 in Leavenworth, Washington. After Jan’s passing in 2005, Jim met the final love of his life, Karen Forrest. They were married Aug. 18, 2008 and continued to live happily in Leavenworth enjoying travel and their big families at every opportunity. Karen and Jim are longtime parishioners at Our Lady of the Snows in Leavenworth.
Proud of his Irish heritage, Jim could always be found wearing his green boat shoes every St. Patrick’s day, usually accompanied by one of his beloved Border Collies through the years.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, C. Patrick McGinnis and John R. “Bud” McGinnis.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karen, and children, Kathleen (Mike) Lambert, Jim (Michelle), Michael (Kim), Daniel (Nancy), and Tom (Laura) and grandchildren, Allison (Laura) Asbell, Matthew Lambert, Jack Lambert, Megan (MJ) Pericin, Kyle (Kellan) McGinnis, Spencer (Katie) McGinnis, Jeffrey McGinnis, Barret McGinnis, Conner McGinnis, Christine (Jed) Kok, Bradford McGinnis, Kelly McGinnis, Madeline McGinnis, William McGinnis. Great grandchildren, Luke and Austin Asbell and 3 more great grand babies due this summer.
Jim is also survived by his sister-in-law, Aileen McGinnis, niece and nephews and their families and step-children, Greg Forrest, Pam Shain and Paula Nicholson and their families.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale Yakima and Good Samaritan Health Care for their compassionate care of Dad and our family.
Private family service.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the animal shelter of your choice.