James M. McGee

Lieutenant Colonel James M. McGee, Esq. 54 of Cottonwood passed away March 21, 2010. Born in Milwaukee, WI. Jim graduated from Prescott school and graduated Magna Cum Laude from NAU with a Bachelors of Science degree in education. Jim was commissioned to 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps in Quantico, VA and earned his wings as a naval aviator in Pensacola, FL. He was assigned to the Third Marine Aircraft Wing at MCB Camp Pendleton, CA where he flew the UH-1N Huey and AH-1J Cobra Aircraft helicopter gunships. In 1984, Jim accepted orders to the USMA Reserve in order to attend law school at SMU where he earned his Juris Doctorate Degree. Soon after he accepted an appointment as an Asst. Attorney General for the State of Arizona. Jim retired from the USMC Reserve in 2003 after his last assignment as the Asst, Staff Judge Advocate for the First Marine Expeditionary Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a marine, Jim stayed active with the Corps serving as Air Boss of Operation Supai Toys for Tots for the last 14 years. Each year Jim coordinated his Marine Corps Reserve airlift drop into the Havasupi Village at the bottom of the Grand Canyon each Christmas season. Jim conducted his missions with immense pride with a selfless devotion to duty which was reflected in the faces of the children each Christmas. Jim began his law career in 1986, and continued to practice law until his death. He zealously represented his clients with the same devotion instilled in him by the USMC, and with passion not often seen. His family was most important to him and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed camping, hiking, skiing and golf. His gourmet camping meals will be especially missed by all who had the good fortune to dine with him under the trees. All who knew him will remember his love for Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and will miss him playing his beloved guitar. Jim is survived by his son, Mathew of whom he was so proud; his loving wife Christine (Tina)Ortiz McGee, his mother Mildred, brothers Dennis and Rick; sisters Pat, Sue and Jeanne; his nephews Terry Kurtz and Skylar McGee; his niece Jennifer Russell and his grand niece Jessica Kurtz. Jim was preceded by his father, John A. McGee in 1975. Public viewing begins at 10am Monday March 29 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cottonwood. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM.Immediately following the funeral services the USMC Honor Guard will officiate full military honors to commemorate Jims selfless devotion to duty and service to his country. Military burial services will be held on Friday April 16 in the Prescott National Cemetery at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Verde Valley Detachment, P.O. Box 2256 Cottonwood, AZ 86326 www.toysfortots.org. An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com