James Edgar McGurn passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the age of 91.  He was predeceased by his parents, James B. and Evelyn Edgar McGurn.  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rita Dorothy Keefe McGurn and his children, Jane (Stan) Sweet, Anne (Craig) Reed, Heather (Mickey) Zollo, Charlie (Debbie) McGurn.  He is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A service will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY 14450.  

Jim spent his early years in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, but returned to the Rochester area and graduated from Fairport High School in 1949 where he played football and basketball and sang in the Glee Club.  He attended the University of Rochester and then joined the Navy.  He served as a pre-flight instructor from 1952-1954 during the Korean War while stationed at Whiting Field, the US Naval Air Station in Milton, Florida.  

After his discharge from the service, he returned to Fairport where he and Dorothy raised the children.  He had a successful career in sales with Moore Business Forms and Mahar Business Forms earning a number of awards and achievements. (Alprazolam)  He was an active member of the community, coached hockey and was a NYS Swimming Official.  He loved to spend time at his cabin in Naples and traveling in the American west.  In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their athletic, musical and theatrical endeavors.  He was also a member of the Rayson-Miller Pittsford American Legion Post #899 and a longtime member and board member of the National Warplane Museum.

In 2015, Jim was proud to join fellow veterans for Honor Flight Rochester Mission 44.  He was very grateful for the experience.

Friends wishing may donate to the Rayson-Miller Pittsford American Legion Post #899, 21 N. Main St., Pittsford, NY 14534 or the National Warplane Museum, PO Box 185, 3489 Big Tree Ln., Geneseo, NY 14454.


Comments

5 responses to “McGurn, James E.”

  1. Brenda Barkley Avatar
    Brenda Barkley

    Dorothy, I am so sorry to see this!!! I owned a cabin in Naples near yours. I treasured the friendships that I made in that small area of the world. I missed the visits and the walks even after selling. But, I still have my memories!

  2. William Rahn Avatar
    William Rahn

    Jim was a good man, a Legion brother, who will be missed. I never knew all the wonderful things Jim during his life.So many lives he touched and mine was one of them.

    Bill Rahn

  3. Austin Hancock Avatar
    Austin Hancock

    Jim was a great man, and really helped me find my way with the museum. I owe him a lot. He will be greatly missed.

  4. David Andruczyk Avatar
    David Andruczyk

    I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I enjoyed many interesting conversations with him during my ongoing tenure at the museum. I’ll miss him,

  5. Bob and Joyce Flesch Avatar
    Bob and Joyce Flesch

    Knew Jim for more than 30 years. He was always funny, a great fount of knowledge and a friend to NWM. He will be missed.