Major James Vance McGinnis, U.S. Army Retired, of Holly Ridge, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 in Wilmington.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Carter McGinnis; two sons, James Patrick McGinnis II and Joseph Carter McGinnis, both of Annapolis, Maryland; one daughter, Shannon Arlette McGinnis (Michael Freilich), of Chicago, Illinois; and three grandchildren, Shelby, Carter and Ian.
He is also survived by his mother, Geraldine Gunter McGinnis; two brothers, Michael (Pat) McGinnis and Steve (Carol) McGinnis; a sister, Sharon (Wesley) Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, J. P. McGinnis; and beloved sister, Sybil (David) Brookshire.
Jim was born in Sanford on November 5, 1937 and graduated from New Hanover High School and Campbell University. He was a graduate of the United States Army Special Forces Officer’s Qualification Course and the Psychological Operations Officer Course.
Among his military awards are the Bronze Star Medal (2d Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Civil Actions Honor Medal 1st Class, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and Vietnamese Jump Wings.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at Hampstead Baptist Church, with Pastor Joey Canady officiating. Members of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Vietnam, 1969-1970) will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service.
The family wishes to express appreciation to the medical staff of Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital and the personnel at Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, North Carolina Baptist Children’s Home or the Green Beret Foundation.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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