James "Jim" McGee's Obituary
James Martin McGee was born in Dallas, TX to Kirk (Mac) McGee and Katherine Gibson McGee. He attended Dallas schools graduating from North Dallas High School in 1949. Jim earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in1954 and an MBA from SMU in 1984. He enjoyed an exciting work career in the US Army, Mobil Oil Corporation and Texas American Bank.
In 1954, while working for Mobil Oil in Odessa, TX, he met Mary Margaret Haygood, a school teacher living in the same boarding house. Four months later, they were married. They raised their children in Hobbs, NM, and Midland, TX. He was transferred to Dallas in 1977 where they lived for 47 years.
Jim was a devoted husband. He cherished his wife of 69 years, bringing her coffee in bed every morning. She was the love of his life and he was always her hero and sometimes her ‘Old Buzzard’. They traveled frequently; trips with best friends to Ireland, with Mary’s sister and husband to Cancun, Hawaii, and trips to visit their children. After Mary’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, they moved into a beautiful apartment at a senior living community in 2019. He always put Mary’s needs first, eventually making the difficult decision of placing her in memory care. He would ride his scooter across the parking lot for frequent visits.
Jim was an amazing father; his children knew how much he loved them. Whether it was coaching little league, camping with the scouts, shooting hoops in the backyard, or attending numerous piano recitals and choir concerts… he always showed up. He was a strong believer in Jesus and taught his children how important faith is by taking them to church, serving in the church, but mostly by his example.
Jim adored his 5 grandchildren. He and Mary were quick to volunteer for grandparent duty whenever needed. As they grew, he also taught them by example how to be a father and how a man should honor his wife.
Jim loved keeping his yard, golfing, but his favorite pastime was woodworking. He built his own wood shop from the ground up behind their house. He selected the senior community with a wood shop so he could continue his love of building things. He was also the best handy man with the ability to repair anything from cars, to plumbing, to installing floors and he loved to pour concrete!
James was preceded in death by his parents Kirk and Katherine, his brother Jack, his sister Janet McGee Tawwater, and his beloved son, Kirk. He is survived by his adoring wife Mary, his daughters and their husbands, Katherine and David Savage; Kara and David Kohl. Also, by his 5 grandchildren Rebecca Savage; Liz Savage and husband, Robert Meyer; Maggie Savage and husband David Rios; John Marc and Lila Kohl; Mary Kate Kohl; and a great-grandson, his namesake, James David Rios Savage.
Jim will be laid to rest during a graveside service in Restland Memorial Park at 3:00PM on Monday, January 29, 2024, with Pastor Neal Jeffrey officiating.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?