James MaGirl

James (Jamie) MaGirl, 79, Cape Coral, Fla., formerly of Bloomington, Ill., died peacefully at home in the early hours of January 16. He was under the care of Hope Hospice and attended by his wife, Jan.

Arrangements are being handled by Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services, Cape Coral. Condolences may be shared with the family at fullermetz.com. Inurnment will be at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington. A Service of Remembrance will be at Faith Presbyterian Church, Cape Coral, on Monday, March 25 at 3:00.

Jamie was born April 12, 1939, at Brokaw Hospital, Normal, Ill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Mary Lou MaGirl; sister Joanne Arnold; and daughter Melissa MaGirl Bouwer. He is survived by his wife Janet. Also surviving: stepsons Evan (Kristi) Gibbons, Normal, and Andrew (Meghan) Gibbons, Downers Grove, Ill.; son-in-law Reiner Bouwer, Bradenton, Fla.; nine grandchildren; brother-in-law Don Arnold, Avon Lake, Ohio; niece Cynthia (Jeff) Bowen, Dallas, Tex.; nephew James (Sherry) Arnold, Highlands Ranch, Colo.; one great-niece, and three great-nephews.

Jamie was owner of MaGirl Supply Company, founded in Bloomington by his great-grandfather in 1892 and ran as a family business until 1994 when it was sold. Jamie retired to Cape Coral in 2004 and married Janet Prillaman June 3, 2006, at Captiva Island. He was a valued volunteer at Edison Ford Winter Estates in Ft Myers where for 13 years he portrayed the genius, Thomas Edison, as living history.

A graduate of Bloomington High School and Rollins College, Winter Park, Fla., Jamie served in the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Tactical Fighter Group, Springfield. He was a member of Bloomington’s Young Men’s Club, McLean County Museum of History, a charter member of Bloomington Normal Ski Club, and numerous other social and professional organizations. He was a retired director of the former American State Bank in Bloomington. In Florida, he was a member and elder of Faith Presbyterian Church and Southwest Florida Yacht Club.

Jamie was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Cubs. As a lifetime racing enthusiast, he attended 56 Indianapolis 500 and 24 Brickyard 400 races. He was a pilot and enjoyed tennis until his later years when he turned to golf and boating. His ready smile, blue eyes and positive outlook will be missed by all who knew him.

The family suggests any expressions of gratitude be made to the Edison Ford Winter Estates,Ft Myers; Faith Presbyterian Church, or Hope Hospice at HopeHCS.org.
 

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