James McGinnis

James (Jim) McGinnis, 89, of Ottawa, IL passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, with his family by his side.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7, from 9:00am until 11:00am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:30am, at St. Columba Church, with Monsignor Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemtery. Services have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

Jim was born on January 18, 1937, in Ottawa, IL to Dan & Ann (McGraw) McGinnis. He graduated from Marquette High School along with his sweetheart, Alice.

Jim & Alice married on May 11th at St. Francis Church in Ottawa, IL. They proceeded to build their life and legacy in Ottawa and raise their six children.

Jim was a graduate of Coyne Electrical College. He went on to join and apprentice with the local electrical union. He was an electrician for many years before becoming president of Halm General & Electrical Contractors. Upon retirement, Jim served in many roles in the Joliet NECA offices.

Jim was a member of St. Columba Church, the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight and the Grand Knight. He was a board member & vice president of the Marquette High School Board along with being part of the Marquette High School Foundation as President.

He loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs & Bears and rooting for Notre Dame football.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; his children, Karen (Tim) Conness, Kathy Schultz, Jim (Melanie) McGinnis, Beth McGinnis, Mike McGinnis, and Molly (Brian) Hughes; his grandchildren, Caitlin (Charlie) McConnaughhay, Kaylee (Cade) Covi, Claire (Rich) Jurden, KJ Schultz, Michael (Chloe) Conness, Riley McGinnis, and Jack McGinnis; as well as his thirteen great grand children; his brother, Ed (Rosemary) McGinnis; his sister-in-laws, Mary L. O'Brien, Barb McGinnis, and Antoinette McGinnis; and more nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews than there are to count.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan & Ann McGinnis; his brothers, Tom and Dan McGinnis; sisters, Ann (Sonny) Byers and Mary (Bob) Whren; brother-in-law, Patrick O'Brien; niece, Jeanne Byers; and nephews. Dan Whren and Robb McGinnis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Friendship House of Ottawa or Ottawa Food Pantry.