James L. McGhee Sr. peacefully departed this life on June 7, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was 83.

James was born on August 14, 1937, in Brookport, IL. to parents Willie and Margaret Eleanor Dawson McGhee. His wife of 57 years, Doris Jean preceeded him in death. Brothers Dawes B., Thomas L.C., Bob Vernon, Johnny Edward, Harold Rudolph, Jaymon Albert (Gudrun), Clarence Hiawatha, and Jesse Arbe (James's twin), and sister Willie Mae, also preceeded him in death.

James attended Brookport High where he earned the title of Salutatorian of his 1955 graduating class. He was also on the baseball team where he played the position of center field. James received a scholarship to attend Southern Illinois University. Lacking funds for college and not wanting to be a farmer, he decided to go to Chicago to join three of his older brothers in the work force. His first job was working at the Palmer House Hotel. Later, he began working at Uniroyal where he worked in the Quality Control Department for many years. James' last job was a Security Manager at Lurie Security Services.

James was a great husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch, watching baseball and basketball, playing the lottery, watching old westerns, and attending the McEwen-Dawson reunions. He enjoyed eating his favorite candy bar, Baby Ruth.

James is survived by his sons; James Jr.; Eric; Robert (Tracey); Michael; daughters Linda; Beverly (Gary), Karen (late Marc); Lori; Carol (Kevin); a sister, Vivian Geneva (Memphis, TN); a brother, Hester Ray (Flora)(Chicago, IL); 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at Leake & Sons Funeral Home in Country Club Hills, IL.

Friends may call on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. then again on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at the funeral home.

On Sunday, June 20, 2021 funeral services will be held at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Metropolis at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Ronnie Woods officiating.  Burial will follow in Siloam Cemetery in Brookport, IL.

Pettus Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.