James J. McGuire, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated serviceman, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born in Elyria, Ohio, to Frederick and Marie McGuire on April 7, 1945, James was the third oldest of six children. He is survived by his siblings Sheila Marshall (John, deceased), Frederick McGuire (Rosann), David McGuire, and Henry McGuire (Beth). He is predeceased by his brother William McGuire.

James married the love of his life, Linda Sue Wyman, on June 23, 1971. They enjoyed 53 wonderful years together, sharing countless memories and raising a beautiful family. Together, they had three children: Ryan McGuire (Heather McGuire, children Emma & Kathryn), Heather Mikolajczak (Stephen Mikolajczak, children Taylor & Joshua), and Andrew McGuire (Sarah McGuire, child Paul James). James' early education began at St. Mary's Elementary School, and he graduated from Elyria High School in 1963. He continued his education at Baldwin Wallace University, earning a degree in Political Science in 1967. His patriotic spirit led him to serve in the U.S. Air Force for four years, with one year stationed in Korea. James and Linda's journey began in Bangor, Maine, where James was stationed for two years, marking the beginning of their lifelong adventure together. After his service, James pursued a Doctorate of Law from Cleveland-Marshall Law School, then served in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer in Anniston, Alabama, for three years before transitioning to the Army Reserve, where he served for approximately 25 years achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC).

James' professional career was equally distinguished. He spent over 20 years in the banking industry, ultimately serving as the Executive Vice President presiding over the Trust Division within KeyBank. He oversaw the divestiture of KeyBank's trust department to Harris Bank. Despite being offered a prestigious position with Harris Bank in Chicago, he chose to stay in Cleveland, ending his banking career in 1997. Following a brief semi-retirement and private law practice, James joined Homeland Security's INS division in 2004, where he worked for ten years before fully retiring in 2014 at the age of 69. James was also a dedicated community leader. For 20 years, he was a vital member of the board of directors at The Inn at Honeyrun in Millersburg, Ohio. In addition, he played a pivotal role in founding the Holmes County Education Foundation, where he served as an active board member for many years. His passion for preserving history was evident in his service along side his brother David on the board of directors at the Lorain County Historical Society. James's legacy of dedication and service will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. James and Linda cherished their summer home on the coast of Maine, purchased in 1998, where they spent many joyful summers. James was a devoted grandfather to his five grandchildren, including Joshua, who shares his birthday, born exactly 60 years later on April 7, 2005.

James had a passion for travel, his family fondly remembers the Wild West Trip, hiking Mt. Katahdin, White Water Rafting together, and visiting Alaska, Hawaii , traversing the continent of Europe and cruising the Caribbean. James was an avid reader of Stephen King novels, appreciating his excellent character development, as well as King's connection to Maine. James also took great pride in their fully restored 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible, which coincidentally was Linda's first car. James will be remembered for his selflessness and unwavering dedication to his family. He was a hard worker, imparting a strong work ethic to his children, and ensuring his family was always well taken care of. His love for family, the military, and his country was evident in everything he did.

For those who wish to attend, his military honors service will be held at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, OH on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 9am. On the same day, his family invites all who knew him to a reception at St. Mary's Church in Elyria, OH from 12pm to 2pm in the Weigand Room. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org), continuing his legacy of service by supporting military members and their families. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elyria.