JAMES E. McGINNIS 

February 27, 1938 – May 28, 2025 

James E. McGinnis of Elkton, Maryland passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025 at the age of 87.  

Born February 27, 1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, James is the second son of the late William McGinnis and Elizabeth McGinnis née Weigand. He was proceeded in death by his older brother Bill McGinnis, and is survived by his sisters, Bette Pfeiffer and Doris Reed. 

James graduated from North Catholic High School in 1955 and began working for Majestic Press as a linotype operator. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served our country for two years. After the Army, he worked as an air conditioning and heating repairman, which started his long career as our family’s Mr. Fixit, being able to repair almost anything, including our fleet of bomber cars. He then transitioned to working for Service Master as a maintenance technician. Returning to school at night, James earned an Associates Degree in Applied Science. While at Service Master, he worked at various nursing homes and hospitals, eventually becoming a project manager for Penn Presbyterian Hospital where he retired in 2010 at the age of 72. 

James married Vincenza Salvatori on June 17, 1961. This June would have marked their 64th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife, Vincenza, his two daughters, Karen Phillips, Maria V. Snyder, their husbands, Christopher Phillips, Rodney Snyder, and his four grandchildren, Luke, E, Jenna, and Jacob. 

His grandchildren liked to call James, Captain Pop as he was an avid boater and fisherman. He loved boating on the Elk River and Chesapeake Bay. Fishing trips with his family was his favorite activity despite the fish proving to be elusive most of the times.  

Always active, James enjoyed playing tennis, golf, biking, dogs, and walking. His granddog, Hazel always loved it when he came to visit because she knew a walk was in her future regardless of the weather. James was a livelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and he, and his daughter Maria, were ecstatic to see them win the Superbowl this year.  

With a great sense of humor and an easy going manner he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He made friends easily and always said “yes” when someone needed help. He will be dearly missed, but he will live on in the hearts and memories of those who love him. 

Relatives and friends are invited to join in the celebration of James’s life at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (455 Bow Street, Elkton, MD 21921) on June 14th for a viewing starting at 10:00 AM followed by a mass at 11:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made in James’s honor to St. Jude’s or Wounded Warriors.