James R. McGhee

James R. McGhee, age 88, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, with his loving wife of 52 years, Ginny, by his side.

James was born on November 23, 1936, in Rison, Arkansas, to parents Daisy (Smith) Benton and Ben McGhee. He attended schools in both Rison and Little Rock, Arkansas, before moving north to Wisconsin in the 1960s in search of new opportunities.

In the 1970s, James learned the craft of meat cutting at the downtown Madison Area Technical College (MATC) campus and went on to work for Hersam Meat and Provision for many years. Later, he joined UW Hospital, where he earned the first-ever Custodian II Award while working on the Med Flight helicopter pad. James was known for his strong work ethic and curiosity—he even taught himself to cane chairs during that time.

He later continued his career at UW Sports Medicine and the Junction Road Clinics. Never one to stay idle, James took on a “retirement job” at Comfort Suites Hotels, where he proudly worked for over 13 years. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that he finally decided to hang up his hat—retiring at the remarkable age of 83.

James had many passions in life. He was a lifelong fan of westerns, sports, and his favorite teams—the Green Bay Packers, UW Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also loved his and Ginny’s annual road trips to Arkansas, where they cherished time with friends and family and reminisced about his early days picking cotton and farming the land.

He had a deep appreciation for tractors and tractor pulls and was an avid car enthusiast. Among his favorites were his red Mustang, Oldsmobile Riviera, Chrysler, and his beloved new Cordoba. He often fondly recalled the old Etzel he left behind in the field—never quite forgetting that car.

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was blessed with a large and loving family: 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren who brought endless pride and joy to his heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ben McGhee, Daisy B. Benton, and Henry A. Benton; Mildred (Farris) McGhee, mother of Susan Williams, Margaret Sanders, James McGhee Jr., and Kelvin McGhee; brothers Joseph Holmes and Henry (Bubba) Benton Jr.; sister Mae Sloan; daughter Susan Williams; son James McGhee Jr.; granddaughter Shakaunda Imoni Idin Bowie; and great-granddaughter Ashley Hudson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia “Ginny” McGhee of Madison; daughters Margaret (Pat) Sanders of Milwaukee, Gwen (Mack) Akins of Pine Bluff, AR, and Heather Delaney of Mount Horeb; sons Kelvin McGhee of Milwaukee and Casey McGhee of Madison; Dorothy (Lee) Manning, mother of Gwen Akins; along with his cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at UW Hospital and Clinics, Oak Park Place Nakoma, and Agrace Hospice for their kindness, care, and dignity shown to James during his final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn West in Madison. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived.