James Lloyd McGee

James Lloyd McGee, age 95, of McDade, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025. Born and raised in Elgin, Texas. He later moved with his granddaughter Erica and her family to McDade, Texas, where they made sure he felt right at home. His great grandsons were the apple of his eye, and it was always said that living with and enjoying them kept him feeling young.

Growing up in and running around Elgin with his brothers, he had many stories to tell. He often spoke of he and his brothers working in the projection room at the El-Tex theatre, hanging around McGee Brothers Shoe Shop and Upholstery Repair, pulling pranks as well as his hot rodding around town. 

James served in the Texas Army National Guard at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, from 1957 to 1974 and often spoke of the lifelong friendships he had with the men he carpooled with.

He then joined the family business, McGee Brothers Shoe Shop and Upholstery Repair purchased by his father, Ross McGee in 1928. He learned the upholstery business from his Uncle Howard McGee and shoe and boot repair from his Dad, Ross McGee. He operated the business until 2023 and “retired” at the age of 94, closing the business. The business received a Texas Treasure award recognizing businesses in continuous operation in the State of Texas for 50 years or more. So many Elginites came to know him by visiting the shop. His friends and neighbors frequently visited him for coffee and chatting and many people came in off of the street to look at the shop as it was like a step back in time.

Somehow, he found time to work part-time at funeral homes in Elgin for Bob Reynolds and Brad Jones for a number of years, becoming like family to them.

James had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Elgin, Texas since 1948, and faithfully served the congregation as a Deacon showing love, compassion and commitment to the Lord’s work. 

Family was everything to him. He made great personal sacrifices raising his two daughters alone and helping raise his granddaughter. He often said he had the best family there ever was.

James is survived by his daughters, Kim McGee Pena and her husband Eddie, and Demra McGee Frederick and her husband Dave. He is also survived by his granddaughter Erica McGee and her husband Roy Kay, and his great grandsons Samuel Perez, Sebastian James McGee- Kay, and Chris Kay.

He was predeceased by his parents, A.R. McGee Sr. and Bessie Elizabeth McGee, and his siblings A.R. McGee Jr., Glynn McGee, Vivian Lee, and Nettie Krhovjak. James was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a cherished friend to many.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home, 604 Hwy 95 N, Elgin, Texas 78621. A celebration of his life will begin at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Elgin, Texas, located at 13916 County Line Rd., Elgin, Texas 78621. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 229 Pleasant Grove Loop, Elgin, Texas 78621.

Donations may be made to Shriners Children's or the First Baptist Church in Elgin, Texas, in James's memory.

James will be remembered for his sweet spirit, kindness, his love for his family and friends, and his selfless service to others. He leaves a legacy which will be remembered and celebrated in the lives of his family.