MCKEE, James (Jim) Ronald

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, February 27, 2013 James (Jim) Ronald McKee died Feb. 15 in Oakhurst, Calif. Born Oct. 11, 1926 to James Wesley McKee and Mary Sophia Vietz, Jim grew up in Zanesville, Ohio, and attended the University of Dayton. He spent the last 10 years in Mariposa, Calif. Jim enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and served two years on board the USS Takanis Bay during World War II. In the early 1970s, he began a career in the financial services industry at Winter’s National Bank in Dayton, Ohio, until 1988 when he retired from Beverly Hills Savings in Los Angeles. Before and during his retirement, he and his wife immensely enjoyed their travels throughout Ireland, Great Britain and the United States before settling in Monterey, Calif., and Wickenburg. While living in Wickenburg, Jim enjoyed working at the historic Rancho de los Caballeros Resort. Jim loved watching movies, reading books and meeting people from all walks of life. He will be fondly remembered for his sharp wit. Above all, Jim lived a life of “joie de vivre” and was truly one of a kind who will be sorely missed. He refused to let his intermittent yet progressive illness slow his pace or daunt his spirit. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Gloria (nee Byrd); stepdaughters Sarah Windsor and Janie Kent (and her husband Rob); and brother Colonel Retired USMC David McKee and his wife Ruth Ellen. He was preceded in death by his son Tim from a former marriage. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Oakhurst Health and Wellness Center. At his request, no service is planned.