G. James "Jim" Mckay

G. James “Jim” McKay, age 81 of Fargo, ND passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Bethany Homes, from pulmonary fibrosis.

Jim McKay was born on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1932, in Bowesmont, ND to Dr. John F. McKay and Jeanette (Patterson) McKay. In 1946, the family moved to Grand Forks, ND, where he graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1950. After high school, Jim worked for Northwestern Bell and continued there through his second year at the University of North Dakota, where he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity. Jim graduated from UND in May of 1955 and started working as a salesman for International Harvester.

On June 30, 1956, Jim married JoAnn Nelson, his long-time next door neighbor, and they made their home in Grand Forks. In 1959, at the age of 26, Jim became the youngest sole owner of a non-family owned International Harvester dealership and they relocated to Gilby, ND. In their 24 years at Gilby, Jim helped establish the volunteer fire department, became an EMT, and ran his dealership/hardware store as well as taking part in many other aspects of the small town. Most importantly, Jim and JoAnn became parents to daughter, Julie, and son, Jeff. Jim retired from the dealership in 1980 and the family moved back to Grand Forks where they stayed until Jim and JoAnn moved “south” to Fargo in 1992.

Jim is survived by two children, Julie (Wayne) Ganskop of Rochester, MN, and Jeff (Michelle) McKay of Fargo, ND; five grandchildren, Kailey Ganskop of St. Cloud, MN; Hannah Ganskop of Rochester; Jessica, Ian and Emily McKay of Fargo; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, JoAnn; two sisters, Iola and Flora; and brother, Jack.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.