James Otho McGinnis

James Otho McGinnis of Clarkston, MI passed away on July 11, 2024, at 93 years of age. He was born on October 18, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Otho Edward and Dorothy Margaret McGinnis. Jim grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Royal Oak. He married his high school sweetheart, Marie Eleanor (Ellie) Valleau on December 15, 1951. As newlyweds, he was serving in the United States Army during the Korean War while they lived in Colorado Springs, Co. After his service, they returned to Michigan, living in Royal Oak, Auburn Hills and finally settling in Clarkston. Jim worked for The White/ Westinghouse Company which later became Electrolux as a major appliance repairman until he retired at the age of 65.

For the past 35 years in Clarkston, Jim and Ellie enjoyed their house in the woods surrounded by beautiful tall trees and gorgeous panoramic flower gardens. Jim was naturally talented in repairing and building just about anything he set his mind to. With a creative mind, and imagination he always said that he would think about something and then he could just figure out how to create it. Jim could replicate anything he admired and continuously improved upon his creations. He built a large deck and a beautiful, enclosed sunroom off the back of their home singlehandedly. He created a lovely pond with a waterfall that bordered their woods. He built fun things too, like a minibike, beanie babies’ trees, a wooden giraffe and shadow boxes for the grandchildren. His very appropriate nickname was “Mr. Fixit!”

In his free time, Jim enjoyed golfing with friends and antiquing with Ellie. He had a quirky sense of humor, and their home was filled with collections of a lot of unique and interesting items. Jim and Ellie also enjoyed traveling and had memorable trips to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Jamaica, and many years of time spent in Naples, Florida.

Jim was the beloved husband of the late Ellie, with whom he spent 69 years of marriage. He leaves behind two children: Mike (Sue) McGinnis of Clarkston, MI., and Debra (The late Brian) Delaney of Austin, Tx. He was a proud grandfather to Eric (Katy) McGinnis, Beth (Keith) Benhke, Jennifer (Anthony) McGinnis, Dawn Delaney, and Jenna Delaney. He was a great- grandfather to Lucas, Arianna, Blake, Lilah, and Jaxon.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by COATS FUNERAL HOME- CLARKSTON.   A committal service with military honors will be held of Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Otho McGinnis, please visit our floral store.