James “Jim” Francis McGinnis, born November 8, 1939 in Peoria Illionois. Jim passed away peacefully at his home on April 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim was rooted in faith, family, and hard work. On December 20, 1959, Jim married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Heldenbrand. Jim and Ruth were married for 66 years and together they built a strong and loving family which became his greatest pride and joy.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann McGinnis; four sons and their wives, Jimbo (Carrie); Randy (Laura); Brad (Carrie); and Spencer (Christy); nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister Jeanne Anderson; sisters-in-law Paula (Rick) Bilderback and Nancy Strange; George and Steve Wheeler of Fairfield Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy lives on through each of them.

Jim loved the Lord deeply, and his faith was evident in the way he lived his life—with humility, strength, and compassion. He loved his God, Ruth and his family more than anything in this world. His presence brought comfort, wisdom, and steady guidance to all who knew him.

He spent his life providing for his family, leading by example, showing what it meant to be a man of integrity and commitment. Just a few of his core values that he shared with the core values he lived by, during his service in the U.S. Army as an E-4 Specialist. While working for Wayne county Press in Illinois, the Dallas morning news and in the elevator industry for 21 years and retired from the International Union of Elevator Constructors in 2001. Whether through his work, his words, or simply being there when it mattered most, Jim made a lasting impact on everyone around him.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is now at peace and in the presence of the Lord he loved so dearly. Surely he heard the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23.

The family ask that memorials be made to The Heart Foundation Donate - www.theheartfoundation.org, The Amplife Foundation www.amplifefoundation.org. SD Gunner Fund www.sd_gunner_fund.org