James A. McGuigan, 68, unexpectedly passed away on August 2, 2023. He was born on July 7, 1955 to the late John “Jack” and Hilda McGuigan in Port Huron.
Jim graduated from Port Huron High School in 1973 ("Once a Big Red, always a Big Red"). He worked at McDonalds, where he saved enough money to buy his first brand new AMC 1973 Blue Gremlin. He worked at Phillips Food Fair, Mueller Brass and Port Huron Paper Company. He received an Associates Degree in Communications in 1975 from SC4 and worked as a DJ at WSGR, the college radio station, where he met Kay. After college, he became a news reporter at WHLS. He also worked as a First Responder and Breathalyzer Operator for the Port Huron Police Department, where he was known as the “Best Dispatcher” and remained friends with many of his co-workers to his last breath. In addition, Jim worked for Acheson Colloids for over 25 years as a Human Resource Director/Communications Manager. He finished his working years as a realtor with O'Connor Realty, until his retirement in 2020.
Jim married Kay Crimmins on April 27, 1979 at St. Joseph Catholic Church and they enjoyed 44 years of marriage. They were snowbirds and spent their winters in Winter Haven, Florida at Four Lakes Golf and Country Club. Many friendships were formed over the years and it was a great source of joy for both of them.
As a teenager, he once saved the life of one of his friends from drowning in the St. Clair River. He also rescued his grandfather from a burning house. Jim was one who ran towards trouble to help - it was in his nature. In 2022, he was given an Award for Excellence by the Port Huron Police Department, recognizing his high standards of excellence during a difficult dispatch call. The Times Herald interviewed him and he was the headline on the front page of the paper. He was proud, but humble. This helping nature continued to the end as Jim was an organ donor and gave parts of his body to the Gift of Life Foundation.
Jim was the Public Address Announcer at McMorran Arena for 13 years for local hockey teams, including the Border Cats, Port Huron Flags, and Beacons.
In 2006 and 2014, Jim and Kay traveled to Ireland, something very memorable for both. Jim kissed the Blarney Stone, which meant he received the "gift of gab." He really already had that gift and didn't need any more "gab."
Jim was a bowler, golfer, played softball for many years and was a Little League coach. He loved baseball and knew the game inside and out and spent many hours watching and loving (and sometimes not loving) the Detroit Tigers. He loved FOX News and watched it religiously every day. He could talk politics and kept updated on all the daily stories. He was a member of the Elks, Moose Lodge, Eagles, American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Jim was an animal lover, jokester and enjoyed making people laugh. He adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them and attending their activities.
Family was everything to Jim. He is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Jim; his daughter, Erin (Dan) Van Belle; his brother, Gary (Kay) Milutin; his grandchildren, Connor, Madelyn, and Max; brother-in-law, Dave (Ann) Crimmins; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; and Molly, his dog. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Hilda and Jack; sisters, Sharon Smith and Carol Samson; brother-in-law, Tom Smith; mother-in-law, Grace Filion; and father-in-law, Martin Crimmins.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 6 from 12-2 and 4-7 p.m. at the Marysville Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023 in the Marysville Funeral Home. The Reverend Doug Studaker will officiate. Cremation will follow and private family committal services will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Port Huron.
Memorials may be made to Port Huron Little League.
To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com
