James Eugene McQuaid, Jr., 85, of Greenville, SC, passed peacefully from this earth on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Jim was born to parents James Sr. and Isabell McQuaid on July 24, 1939. Together with his brother, he grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois until they relocated to Washington, Iowa. McQuaid earned his undergraduate degree in speech communications from Marquette University and his masters degree in journalism from the University of Iowa.
After serving in the US Army Reserves, Jim spent most of his working years in fundraising and development for non-profit organizations, including hospitals, retirement communities, and universities, and was heavily involved in the Kiwanis organization. When he retired in his mid-seventies, Jim continued to invest in people through his volunteering with organizations such as the Peace Center, St. Francis Hospital, the Red Cross, and the committees of Rolling Green Village.
Jim’s faith in Jesus played a huge part in who he was as a person, and how he spent his time. After moving to Greenville, South Carolina in 2006, he became active at Heritage Bible Church — as a small group member, one of the guest service team, and part of the choir — and he served as a deacon there for more than 10 years.
This avid Cubs fan, prolific writer, gifted gardener, and family patriarch will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Jim is survived by his three children, David (Mary), Andy (Monica), and Catherine; his grandchildren Caleb (Lynelle), Bryce (Maria), Austin (Kassidy), Carson, and Trent; his great-granddaughter Hailey; and his dear companion, Mary Overstreet. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years, Georgia (’05), and his brother Richard (’17).
A Celebration of Life service will be held in the chapel at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 on Wednesday, April 16 at 4pm.The family will receive friends and loved ones beforehand, beginning at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Heritage Bible Church, the Red Cross, or Rolling Green Village for their chapel fundraising initiative.
A graveside service will be held at 12:30 pm, Monday, April 21, 2025 at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Pastor Dave Brady officiating.
Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com
©2025 All Content Obituary Systems
“Professional Responsibility” protects the daily obituary. LocalObituary.com and the Authorized Licensed Funeral Provider “Thank You for Helping.”
Notice
To the extent allowed under State law, the decedent’s name, image and likeness are protected under this State’s Right of Publicity laws and should not be reproduced, copied, distributed, republished, or otherwise displayed for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized.
© All Content Obituary SystemsTM, LLC