James Robert McKee

James Robert McKee, 81, of Monmouth, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 12:35 a.m., after a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease. He was born March 26, 1933 in rural Monmouth, the son of W.C. "Jack" and L. Leota (Harvey) McKee.

Jim proudly served his country from February 25, 1953 to December 28, 1954 in the United States Army signal Corps during the Korean Conflict.

He married Loretta M. Benson April 6, 1952 in the first Presbyterian Church of Monmouth with Reverend Arthur R. Hall officiating. They were married 62 years April 6, 2014.

Jim was a member of the First Christian Church of Monmouth, the American Legion Post #136 and the V.F.W. Post #2301 both in Monmouth.

He loved being outdoors, gardening, working in his flower gardens, woodworking and riding his motorcycle.

Jim built his current quad level home north of Monmouth.

Jim retired July 1, 1997 as the lead man over the Metal Fabrication Department for the Maytag Corporation with 45 years of service.

He is survived by his wife Loretta, three children, Jacqueline (James) Geer of Milan, IL., James J. (Angela) McKee and Todd K. (Freda) McKee both of Monmouth, 9 grandchildren, Eric Larson, Jason Kiper, Dustin (Debra) McKee, Jessica (Darren) Ferguson, Alan McKee, Alexandria McKee, Dalton McKee, Addison McKee and Cole McKee, two step-grandchildren: Katrina (Ian) Gunn and Matt Geer; three great grandchildren, Jaxyn Larson, Aiden and AnnaLeigh Ferguson and two step great grandchildren, Emily and Andrew Gunn; two sister, Dorothy (Edward) Livingston of Monmouth and Lucille Fisher of Elsberry, MO., several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Carlene McKee and Jeanne Kennedy and two brothers, Jack McKee and Bill D. McKee.

Funeral services will be 2:30 P.M. Thursday, July 17, 2014 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Burial with Military Honors will be in Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth. Friends may call Thursday at the McGuire & Davies Funeral Home where his family will be present from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the services. Memorials may be given to the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, the Red Cross or the First Christian Church of Monmouth.