James “Jim” McGuinn

Our hero, James Patrick McGuinn “Papa Jim”, didn’t live as long as most (he was only 64!), but he’s left an indelible mark. It’s with great sadness that my family and I share the news of his recent death. On January 4th 2025 at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City Utah, his wife, 3 sons and most of their big beautiful blended families were at his side until he finally succumbed to a 10 year battle with Neuro Endocrine Cancer.

Papa Jim leaves behind a truly unfillable void. He has been a huge presence in our lives, especially mine here in Salt Lake. I can’t remember him missing a single football, baseball or basketball game, dance recital, ski race, birthday party, holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, tee time, or anything else he was asked him to attend. He’s always been there. I remember asking him for advice on raising kids shortly before my son Oliver was born. Without hesitation he said “Jon, there’s one thing that matters most and it’s that you show up. No matter way you have going on, always show up.” As long as I can remember, he lived this. He always showed up for us boys and for the people he loved, no matter what.

If you knew my dad, he undoubtedly are you laugh at some point. He was hilarious, even when humor might have been inappropriate. He was quick witted, incredibly smart, he loved to talk a little shit, he was unabashedly opinionated and he stood up for what he believed in, even if he was standing alone. He was incredibly charismatic, he always wore his emotions on his sleeve, and he was unapologetically himself. Characteristics that I value to this day. His best quality was his deep investment in all aspects of his family members lives. Nothing brought him more joy than to see his boys succeed in whatever we did…Except on the golf course. Haha. He absolutely when we out performed him on the golf course. I recall just a few weeks ago I gave him a hug and he attempted to kiss me on the lips. I quickly pulled away and he grabbed me and said “what’s a matter? You too cool to kiss your old man on the lips?” He was m such a great dad and I’ll forever cherish all that we shared together.

When he was diagnosed with cancer, I remember telling myself that we needed to maximize the time we had left. I eventually bought a house near him and my mom knowing this day would eventually come. I wanted to be near him in case he needed me, but also because I really enjoyed him. Over the last several years we became very close. He is my best friend. He never judged or criticized my mistakes, and he always told me how proud he was of me. Over the last few years, i was fortunate enough to spend hundreds of hours with him golfing, floating the river, fishing, camping, being corrected for doing his yard work the wrong way, talking about music, debating politics and religion, practicing football and baseball with Olly, watching Emmys dance performances, and everything else you hope to do with your dad as a boy and as a grown man. He had cancer for a long time and until very recently, it was hardly noticeable. Because of that, It would’ve been easy for us to waste time and miss opportunities to be together…but we didn’t. We used our time wisely and I find a great deal of peace in that. A few months ago we were out on the golf course and here we are today. Time flies and you never know what tomorrow will bring. The most important thing my dad taught me wasn’t something he said or did, rather, It was something that came to me suddenly right after he died. The greatest lesson I learned from him was to live my life like every moment matters.

Papa Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Julie McGuinn, his 3 sons, Jon (39), Ryan (37), and Sean (30) and 10 beautiful grandchildren, Oliver (10), Emory (7), Brielle (12), Irwin (10), Porter (8), Callan (6), Ellis (4), Gideon (6), Phineas (4), Nehemiah (1).

Thank you for everything dad. It’s been an incredible ride with you by our side. We love you always and forever and will continue to make you proud in all that we do. You did well, dad. You did really well.