James Maslin GUINAN

1927 - 2014

James Maslin Guinan

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Longtime Petersburg, Ill., resident, James "Jim" Maslin Guinan, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 87 years old. Jim, a farmer and family man, passed peacefully at home alongside his wife, Barbara, and family.

Jim was born May 6, 1927, in Springfield, Ill., to Francis Edward Guinan and Emma Agnes Guinan (Maslin) of Petersburg, Ill. He graduated from Petersburg Harris High School in 1945.

He served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1953. Soon after returning to Petersburg, Jim met and married Barbara Frances Rourke of Springfield, Ill., on June 1, 1957, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. They were married 57 years.

Those who knew Jim would likely agree that he was quick to offer a helping hand, a kind word or a gentle smile. In addition to farming, Jim enjoyed golf and was a charter member of Shambolee Golf Club. He loved athletics, and whether playing them or watching them, his passion was palpable. Notre Dame football was known to bring Jim to tears in both victory and loss. He was an avid reader who enjoyed geography, ornithology, history and poetry amongst others. Not a fan of the digital world, he preferred Tennyson and Yeats over Gates and Jobs.

A lifelong member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Jim took great pride in his Irish Catholic heritage and had a passion for genealogy, spending countless hours over the decades researching his ancestors, including a trip to Ireland with his wife; his sharp wit and sense of humor substantiated this delight. Jim was most proud of his loving wife and family and spoke often of his blessings. He coveted a wisdom that could only be acquired through life experience, reflection, compassion and an unwavering integrity. Jim Guinan was the epitome of a gentleman; may his generosity and civility be perpetuated in those who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Frances Guinan of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sons: Michael (Cathy) Damien Guinan of Paris, France, Patrick (Steve) Edward Guinan of Columbia, Mo., and John (Erin) Francis Guinan of Flagstaff, Ariz.; daughters: Kathleen Marie Ryan of Champaign, Ill., Mary (Matt) Agnes Wilson of Overland Park, Kan., Jennifer (Cris) Ann Coates of Ridgway, Colo., and Maureen (Ryan) Maslin Burmester of Scottsdale, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren: Molly Megan Guinan, Bridget Kelly Guinan, Jack Henry Guinan, Kathleen Rourke Ryan, Jamie Guinan Ryan, Maighdlin Emma Guinan, Maire Caitlin Guinan, James Patrick Guinan, Thomas Fitzgerald Guinan, Daniel Francis Guinan, Madeline Guinan Wilson, John Patrick Wilson, Maslin Grace Wilson and Mabel Maslin Burmester; and sister, Mary Kay McNerney of Overland Park, Kan.

Jim's parents and brother, Edward, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015, with visitation from 9-11 a.m., at St. Peter Catholic Church in Petersburg, Ill. Msgr. Thomas Holinga and Father Paul Rourke, SJ will officiate. Cremation rights have been accorded. Private graveside services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Petersburg, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Peter Catholic Church or donor's choice.

"Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy." - William Butler Yeats