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James McGill Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - James Richard McGill, 53, of Springfield, formerly of Peoria Heights, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at his residence.
He was born on Sept. 14, 1954, in Hannibal, Mo., to John and Mary "Patt" Hollis McGill. His mother and grandparents preceded him in death.
In high school, he was the conference wrestling champion and named to the Woodruff Hall of Fame. Jim placed second in the state for Greco-Roman wrestling in 1971. He enjoyed many different sports and taught high diving, swimming and self defense at Bradley, ICC and law enforcement agencies. He also taught massage therapy. He was proficient in martial arts, achieved a fifth-degree black belt and was a master teacher. Jim was a fan of a fantasy football league. He began a 15-year career as a radio personality on WWCT in Peoria (1992-96, 2000-01), WIHN in Bloomington (2000-01) and Springfield WQLZ (1996-2004) and was one of the most recognizable voices in radio. He was a beloved public figure because of his many on air and on the street segments. Jim also had Jim's D.J. and Karaoke Service. In the last two years, he was the co-host of the Ray Lytle Show on disasterradio.net internet radio station and served as the production director and programming assistant with emphasis on the training of young broadcasters. He was a supporter of local music and was a fundraiser and contributor to many local charities. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim McGill Memorial Fund. He was commonly known as Jim the photographer and was an ordained minister who performed several weddings throughout central Illinois.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, John and Rebecca S. McGill of Peoria; brothers, Danny (wife, Robin) McGill of East Peoria, Tim (wife, Carrie) McGill of Loda and Gary McGill (significant other, Cindy Biel) of Fairview Heights; son, Adi (wife, Shayna) Elliot of Israel; nieces and nephews, Noël, Heather, Danny Jr., Johnathon, Alexandria and Rachel; and several aunts and uncles.
His family will greet friends from 11 a.m. until time of services at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, at Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 201 S. Main St., Illinois 4, in Chatham. The Rev. John Lee will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded by Cremation Services of Central Illinois, 201 South Main St., Chatham.
Staab Polk Memorial Home, 201 S. Main St. in Chatham, is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McGill
Karen Nemec
December 16, 2007
Cousin Jim, There was always a hug, a smile, a laugh, and of course always a story.
I MISS YOU ALREADY!
I will miss so much doing karaoke with you. But I will sing "What's Up" for you.
Love to you always, Cousin Karen
Karen Nemec
December 16, 2007
Cousin Jim, I miss you already! These words seem to help me though.
TOGETHERNESS: Death is nothing at all-I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name,speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was, there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is past;nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before--only better, infinitely happier and forever-we will be one together with Christ.
Jimmy, I know you would say this to everyone. Love, Cousin Karen
teresa cantrell
November 30, 2007
sorry for your loss. we will miss him on the radio waves but we have years of memories with listening to him on wqlz. he gave us all many laughs! I was also lucky enough to take a flight to elko, nevada with wqlz and of course jim. he was a lot of fun on the trip and married the guy sitting beside us. god bless to all of his family. we will miss you jimmy!
Mandy Hall
November 29, 2007
im going to miss ya buddy. i still remember the first time i met you and cherish all the great memories i have of you, from the segments on ray's show to just having you bring a smile to my face each and every day i seen you. i love you jimmy and u will most definately be missed
Linda Armstrong
November 26, 2007
To the McGill Family: My heart goes out to each of you. I know you will dearly miss Jim. He was such a delightful person. We had so much fun when he brought his DJ equipment and we had a Toga party after the family reunion. What a party!!! Those memories will remain with me forever. I will keep each of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Your cousin,
Katie & Todd Hooker
November 24, 2007
Jimmy we are going to miss you. I don't know how in the world we are going to make it through the wedding without our man the photographer, dj and minister. Maybe we will alope and def. will have a memorial candle for you. Todd and I both miss you dearly. You will always be in our hearts.
PS- Don't you and mom throw a huge party without us :o) save us something. Tell my "Hot Babe" mom Heeeeeyyyy.
Shawn Balint
November 20, 2007
What more can you say about Jim McGill. He made his mark on Springfield, I'd even say he loosened up the town a little bit, made it a little more fun. He cared about people and I don't know if he ever classified a person based on race, income or anything. He was just a genuine guy who was always good for a laugh. This town was very lucky to know him.
Ken Wersen
November 20, 2007
From my days with the Itchy Pickles, I got the chance to meet Jim and always considered him one of the coolest people I got to know from the morning disaster. Jim you brought smiles to everyone. And for that, I am sure there is a place for you up above. God Speed and keep smiling.
Matthew T
November 20, 2007
The radio won't be the same without you, although I didn't know you that well but you brought smiles to everyones faces on & off the air.
Rob witherell
November 19, 2007
Jimmy, you will be truly missed .You always had me laughing by your comments and the stunts you did. may you rest in peace. My heart and prayers to your family and friends.
Mark Nelson
November 19, 2007
Jimmy; Thanks for the memories. You brought many smiles to many people. You will be missed. God bless the McGill family.
Helen
November 19, 2007
My sincere sympathy to Jims entire family and friends. I loved to listen to him on WQLZ for years and all his antics..I went to quite a few dj gigs at Someplace Else in Taylorville to see him too, he will be missed!
Kim "PunkBabie" Gaul
November 19, 2007
Jimmy, you've been a friend for a very long time. Your words of kindness brought me through some very hard times and reminded me daily that I was never alone. Listening to you every morning with Ray was the kick I needed to get my day started. And you were always the first to greet me with a hug at events. You will be missed dearly. We love you.
Pamela Robb-Brewer
November 19, 2007
Jim was a great classmate- always so involved in High School and made everyone laugh. So sorry to learn of his loss, and what a terrible loss. May God's love and grace be with all of you that loved and knew him; and will miss him greatly
Buck Wayne
November 19, 2007
Sure going to miss you Jim. You always made me laugh! Its been a blessing to know you in our lifetime.
Dennis Frye
November 19, 2007
Words cannot say what you meant to all of us here in Springfield. My family and I will miss you. You will never be forgotten. You were a great friend.
Jim
November 19, 2007
Jimmy, you always made the crowd go wild! It was a pleasure to work with you when we did the Snappers in Peoria and Springfield.
Andy Hockenbury
November 19, 2007
Jim you will be missed by all. I am going to miss hearing you on the radio acting crazier than ever.
Noid Wilson
November 19, 2007
Hope all is going well to the family with this sudden loss of a 'Super' guy. Even though many times he was a pain in my side he made me laugh. The stories are long and sorted with Jim, from the time in El Paso and some woman in the back of the van with no teeth and so many others I cant tell here! It was a shock to me that I wont be say to him "Stop doing that, you're going to get into trouble!" anymore. Now he can get into all trouble he wants! All of us will miss you Jimmy! Your comedic timing was terrific and at least I have your laugh and memories with me and on CD! By the way, the Red Peters song you played at the end of your Saturday show still drives me crazy! Something else I will remember about you! God bless you and your family in the sudden lose!
carol "misskitty" burge
November 18, 2007
Jimmy the years that we have known you you brought us joy and laughter into our lives and we miss and love you our friend.
Carol Douglas
November 18, 2007
To the McGill family...I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Jim but he always made me smile when I listened to Ray Lytle on WQLZ. The one bright point of getting up and going to work on a Monday morning was to hear what Jim and Ray did over the weekend. Jim always brightened my day, and I'll never forget him. What a wonderful legacy...to remember someone with a smile.
Also to Ray Lytle and Jim's professional family and many friends, you are also in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry Wachtel
November 18, 2007
My sincere sympathy to you John and Becky and whole McGill Family. I only met Jim at your wedding the other week, but he was the life of the reception! God Bless and comfort you.
Jim Entwistle
November 18, 2007
I know somewhere a newly "made" angel is entertaining St Peter with the same "hey" and "super" that made us mortals on earth laugh so hard. God speed Jimmy. We all miss you dearly.
kristi horrighs
November 18, 2007
To Jimmy's family and friends, my deepest sympathy. Take comfort in his memory, he would want you to remember him with smiles and laughter. He was indeed a "Super" guy, and will be missed.
Lori
November 18, 2007
Mcgill Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief,may your memories comfort you....thanks for the smiles Jimmy.
Amy Milleville
November 18, 2007
You were always the life of the party and lived life to the fullest. You were always there if someone needed a laugh..You will be sadly missed but never forgotten. We love you Jimmy!!!
A.J. WOODSON (WNNS /1994 - 2003)
November 18, 2007
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, OLD FRIEND.
YOU NEVER KNEW A STRANGER AND NEVER TREATED ANYONE (EVEN US PART-TIMERS) AS ANYTHING LESS THAN IMPORTANT. HOW ABOUT ONE MORE TIME DOWN "54" AND BACK IN YOUR INFAMOUS AMBULANCE RIDE?
I HOPE THE ANGELS ARE AS GROOVY TO YOU AS YOU WERE WITH EVERYONE ELSE!
Bubba Bubba Bubba
November 18, 2007
it was an honor and a privledge to no jimmy. my you rest in peace. you will be missed alot. I will miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Susan Plater
November 18, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bobby Marsh
November 18, 2007
Many memories of ole Jim the photographer, If anyone knows how to get ahold of his son Adrian I would like to hear from him. God Speed Jim
Aubrey Davidson
November 17, 2007
I knew Jimmy for 13 years, and now it just seems like a different world without my best friend in it. I will always carry you in my heart. I love you Jimmy.. You were SUPER!
T.J. Szerletich
November 17, 2007
Jim McGill was a good, kind, loyal, and faithful friend to so many people. I can never thank him enough for all of the help, advice, and laughs that he brought to all of us. He will be sorely missed, and all of us have gained a "super" angel looking over all of our shoulders. I'll miss you Jimmy. Help keep all of us safe.
Kevin
November 17, 2007
Thanks for all the laughs through the years, we will always miss you.
Miki Twining
November 17, 2007
Jim, you were the most unique, multifaceted friend that I've ever had and I will forever cherish all the memories we shared over the past 10 years. You definitely lived each day to the fullest and helped so many people do one of the most important things in life...laugh. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and all those who loved you. Rest in peace, my friend.
Suzie Cundiff
November 17, 2007
my thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmys family. I worked with Jimmy and he was always a riot and I will always remember the smile on his face and the way he always had a hug for any one who needed one. Jimmy you will be missed. Rest in Peace.
Seth Dunas
November 17, 2007
This is still too surreal to believe that Jimmy is gone. We all know he is entertaining the masses up above now. "Hey Super" wasn't just a tag line for Jimmy, it also described the man. Godspeed Photographer! You will be missed by many.
Brian Pierce
November 17, 2007
Condolences from the West to Jimmy.
robin akers
November 17, 2007
you will be truly missed, you have also helped with the courage to live life to the fullest just as you have... thank you for all the laughs !!
Jamey Hockenbury
November 17, 2007
Jim will be missed by all you were a great guy jim.
McKown Family
November 17, 2007
Thanks for all the laughs you gave us on the air. It was an honor to have you marry us. You will be dearly missed and our prayers, sympathies, and condolences go to the McGill Family.
Sincerely,
Brian & Jacquee McKown
Jennifer "TK"
November 17, 2007
Jim was a truly dear friend of our family. So sorry for your loss- he will be greatly missed by all! May his memory live forever.
ryan lytle
November 17, 2007
jimmy you will be missed and honored with the fond memories that you have left behind and of course "have a super day"
Jason and Nicole Wardlow
November 17, 2007
We are sorry for the loss of Jimmy.
He is a great guy and could always make you laugh.
V C
November 17, 2007
RIP Jimmy...You made us laugh in the mornings....
Susan Cappellin
November 17, 2007
God Bless You Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends. You will be missed.
Troy S. Hogan
November 17, 2007
hey jimmy thanks for so many fun times on the street and the pool party's and the show's .(CBT)
Jackie Green
November 17, 2007
To the family, So sorry for your loss. Jimmy was a good guy. He will be missed. God bless.
Doug MCDANIEL
November 17, 2007
Thanks for all the laughs. You entertained a lot of people in central illinois. Your legacy will always live on as that crazy guy who did such a good job at making us laugh.
H Berk
November 17, 2007
To Jim's family and friends we send our deepest condolences for your loss. Jim was super and will be missed by many that he didn't even know.
tabi gibson
November 17, 2007
we had a lot of laughs and im sorry that we were not able to keep in touch over the years. you will always be remembered by the people you helped and the people who were lucky enuff to be called your friend.
Emily Thomas
November 17, 2007
Jimmy, you were a big part of my life and you will always have a place in my heart. I will miss you greatly
Curt Queen
November 17, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss.He will be greatly missed.
Marvin & Judi Bloomer
November 17, 2007
So sorry for your loss
Melinda Nicol
November 17, 2007
Jim was a great guy always had a smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and closest friends.
Steve Padron
November 17, 2007
We miss you dearly. You have touched many people not just in Central Illinois, but up in the Chicagoland area. Your energy and professionalism went hand in hand in making Disasterradio.net a success. Both adults and kids just loved you for loving and caring ways.
Lisa King
November 17, 2007
Jim will be missed by many people for his good nature and great smile!I am also lucky to say he performed my wedding he helped to make it extra special.
Jessica Bent
November 17, 2007
He was a wonderful man that lived a wonderful life. Grieve for losing him, but know he is happy and free now. I know I will.
J Ealey
November 17, 2007
On behave of my kids who loved you,,you WILL be missed but remembered in our hearts.
Suzie Pollett
November 17, 2007
My heart is with Jims family. He was the best friend anyone could ever have.
K. White
November 17, 2007
God bless you, Jimmy was one of a kind. He will be missed!! My mom was a huge fan of his, he did her wedding, he was great at his craft!! Say hi to mom for me in Heaven, she is in good hands now...
chris "bubba" rhoades
November 17, 2007
jim, you will be missed! we had alot of good times together!!!!
RON PRIDDY
November 17, 2007
RIP JIMMY. YOUR FRIEND RTQ
R. Tripplett
November 17, 2007
Thanks for all the laughs,Jim. You will be dearly missed.
Adam and Amanda Berkley
November 17, 2007
Jimmy was a one of kind man. Im very glad to have meet him and become friends witih him the last couple of years. Jimmy you will be missed. We love you.
Liza Piazza
November 17, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Lore McKennedy
November 17, 2007
Jimmy was a great person and will be missed by all
John McGill
November 17, 2007
Jim was the type of guy who loved life and lved life to the fullest.
He never met a stranger and was a stranger to no one. Although he will be deeply missed his memories will live forever, Now he is walking with God.
Colby Huff
November 17, 2007
Godspeed, Jim "the Photographer" McGill, from a brother in the radio industry. While I did not have the opportunity to make your acquaintance personally, the stories about you and your work with Ray will live on. Rest in Peace, good sir.
Missy
November 17, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jim. I knew him through my best friend. He always could put a smile on your face. You will be missed Jimmy...
Patricia Rose
November 17, 2007
Love ya Jimmy! You helped alot of people smile way too early in the morning for alot of years! You will be missed greatly! I will always miss that onry smile and the great hugs you gave! Springfield lost a great man...I hope your family can take comfort in how loved you are/were by all.
Jeremy Welch
November 17, 2007
Jim - you were a trully unique, caring and talented individual. Often received alot of scrutiny but you did what you did best. We will miss your talent and miss your heart. I am trully blessed to have known you. In recent years it was etiher seeing you at Denny's after a long night of fun or out and about around town. I will never forget your ambulance. You always knew Jim was on the road when you saw that thing. Anyway, I am rambling, but to his family, he was appreciated by many and will be trully missed.
Alicia Norris
November 17, 2007
Sometimes when I just needed a laugh, you made it happen. RIP Jim. You will be missed.
Mikey Austin
November 17, 2007
I will never forget all the laughs I shared with Jim, as a co-worker & friend, while working together at WQLZ. He will forever be in our hearts and the Mcgill family is in my prayers during this time of sorrow. God Bless you Jimmy!
marshall
November 17, 2007
Jim,when you made us laugh,you made us feel better,we will never forget you,thank you so much ..
dippa
November 17, 2007
Were gonna miss ya buddy.Take care of yourself,and do everything i wouldn't.
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