Harold "Jim" James McGill's Obituary
Mr. Harold James “Jim” McGill, age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Darien, IL. He was born on June 18, 1933 to Harold W. And Ruth McGill of Muskegon Heights. Jim married Joan, nee Harvath on August 8, 1953 and the two were blessed with 69 wonderful years of marriage. Jim attended Muskegon Heights High School and graduated as Class of 1951 Valedictorian. He then graduated from the University of Michigan with an engineering degree and later earned his MBA through the University of Detroit. Jim began his career at Westinghouse Electric in the sales and marketing department. After 35 dedicated years, he retired and embarked on a 30-year relationship with the Darien-Woodridge Fire District in Illinois, eventually retiring as the department’s Commissioner. Jim enjoyed volunteering his time at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and the Morton Arboretum which he did for over 25 years. Jim’s faith was strong, and he absolutely loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joan; children, James (Joan) McGill, Jeffrey (Cheryl) McGill, Jane Light, and Julie Barnhart; ten grandchildren, Shannon McGill (Todd Chini), Ben McGill (Clea Strydom), Matt McGill (Jess), Brad McGill, Kelly Lilja (Christian), Stephanie Willerth (Dan), Danielle Light (Eric Miner), Alana Barnhart, Jenna Barnhart, and Kayla Barnhart; and four great-grandchildren, Olivia McGill, David McGill, Caleb Willerth, and Cole Willerth. A Memorial Service will be held 1:30PM, Sunday, May 7 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp I Am Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. A non-profit that provides free programs to children and families that have been affected by burn related injuries. Donations can be made in Jim’s memory at https://www.ifsa.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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