McGee, James

James Robert "Bob" McGee, 85, of Breese, formerly of Freeport and Rockford, IL died Tuesday, June 16, 2009 in Aviston, IL after a long illness. James and his identical twin, Jamie, were born in Galton, IL on February 8, 1924 to Lee Smith and Rosa Lee (Colwell) McGee. Throughout their lives, the twins enjoyed confusing others with their identical looks. On June 18, 1949 he married Doris J. Crader in East Saint Louis, IL and she preceded him in death August 25, 1971. James is survived by daughters, Karen (Randy) McGee-Ryno of Modesto, CA, Judy (Jeff) Yourison of Madison, WI, Lynn (Brian) Martindale of Princeton, MN, Teresa (Kenneth) Parsons of Minneapolis, MN, and a son, Ted (Geri) McGee of Breese, IL; grandchildren, Rebecca (Nicholas) Yourison Culp, Tim (Erin) Yourison, Lindsey (Kris) Martindale Anderson, Brian (Jennine) Martindale, Jr., Sarah Martindale, Cameron, Erin and Kyle Parsons, Megan (Ben) McGee Coppock, Matt (Coriss) McGee, and Tina McGee; great-grandchildren, Miles and Noah Anderson, Brian III and Jada Martindale, Kalvin and Kaleb Coppock, and Aubrey McGee. He is further survived by sisters, Lorna Potts of Midlothian,VA, Rosemary (Bill) Joyce of Bloomington, IL and a brother, Max Mahon; sisters-in-law, Pauline Crader of Belleville, IL, Phyllis Crader of Fairview Heights, IL, Elsie McGee of Romeoville, IL; a brother-in-law, Robert Lynn of Simpsonville, SC and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Jamie L. McGee; his mother-in-law, Eunice Crader; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Crader) Lynn and Catherine (Redmond) Crader, brothers-in-law, Lt. Col. Richard Crader, Warren Crader and Earl Potts. James graduated from high school in Granite City, IL, received his bachelor’s degree in social studies and physical education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, and his master’s degree in physical education from University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. He began his teaching career in Kinmundy, IL, then moved to Freeport, IL where he taught social studies, physical education, coached boys’ basketball and served as athletic director at the junior high school from 1948 to 1960 when he became the assistant principal of the school. In 1967 he moved to Rockford and became the principal of Harlem High School in Loves Park, a position he held until he retired. He enjoyed golf, hunting, baseball and was a lifelong fan of the Saint Louis Cardinals. He was an active member and an elder in Presbyterian churches in Freeport and Rockford and was a member of the Rotary Club and the Masonic Lodge. Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2009 and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m Monday, June 22, 2009 at O’Fallon Assembly of God Church, 1400 Greenmount Rd., in O’Fallon, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2009 at the church with Pastor Dale Edwards officiating. Following the services a luncheon will be served at the church. Burial will be at 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2009at the CHAPEL HILL MEMORIAL GARDENS, Hiway 26 S, Freeport, IL. Friends may join the family in the chapel for a brief service at 11:30a.m. Hempen Funeral Home in Breese, IL is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the O’Fallon Assembly of God Church, 1400 Greenmount Rd, O'Fallon, IL, 62269 or to the SIU Foundation – Baseball in memory of James McGee at SIU Foundation, 1235 Douglas Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901-6805.