Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Jim McGurk Obituary
May 14, 1939 - July 30, 2025
Frankfort, Kentucky - James "Jim" Joseph McGurk, 86, of Johnson City, TN, passed away at home on July 30, 2025, after a brief illness, with his wife Jeri reliably by his side.
Jim was formerly from Frankfort, KY where he and his family lived for 49 years. He was married to Carol Board McGurk for 43 years until her passing in 2004. Together they raised five children: Tim (Susan VanFleet), Suzanne (Dave Azbill), Matt, Amy, and Beth (Mike Dugan). He was so very proud of his grandchildren: Drew McGurk (Hannah), Patrick McGurk, Matthew Gray, Charlie Dugan, and Evelyn Dugan.
Jim was the eldest child born to James Joseph "Joe" and Helen Sutherland McGurk: Anne "Missy" Doyle, Tom "Nunan" McGurk, Ronnie McGurk, and Gary McGurk. He graduated from Lexington Catholic High School and attended the University of Kentucky. He spent 46 years with the Kroger Company, managing stores in Irvine, Paris, and Frankfort. He was not just a boss, but a mentor. Whether through United Way, Dare to Care, or the local food pantry, Jim found ways to make sure people had what they needed.
He was a fixture at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Frankfort and later at St. Mary's Parish in Johnson City, where he brought both reverence and humor to every gathering. His Derby parties were legendary - equal parts bourbon, laughter, and tradition - and his friendships ran deep and wide.
Services for Jim will take place on Friday, August 8th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Frankfort starting with Visitation from 10am to noon and followed by Mass of the Resurrection which will be offered at noon. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Lexington.
In honor of Jim's lifelong commitment to helping others, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a cause close to his heart.
Arrangements are with Rogers Funeral Home and an online tribute is available at rogersfrankfort.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim McGurk
Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
4 Entries
Missy (Cummins) Blanscet
August 6, 2025
Please accept my sincere sympathy. I remember you dad fondly. Back in the late 70's when I was 18 your dad gave me a part time job cashiering at Kroger over the summers and Christmas holidays so that I could save money for college. We were also members of Good Shepherd. May he rest in peace.
Dawn Rosendall
August 6, 2025
Chris and I are very sorry to learn of your father's passing. Condolences to you and your family.
Pat Adams
August 6, 2025
We sat in front of Jim and Carol for many years at Kentucky football games. What fond memories we have of partying together! Our deepest condolences to the family. Mike and Pat Adams
Mike Delaney
August 5, 2025
As a member of the LCH class of 1959, I remember Jim's friendliness when he reached out to some of us younger guys, and even though many years with no contact have passed, may his loving family hold his memory in their hearts and know his Spirit lives with them forever. Mike Delaney, Elkton, MD.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Jim McGurk's name
Memorial Events
for Jim McGurk
How to support Jim's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jim McGurk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
