James Magruder

RACINE - James A. Magruder, 87, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Care Center on Friday, April 4, 2008. He was born in Leonard, Missouri on Nov. 21, 1920, son of the late Chester and Velma (nee: Ballance) Magruder. He lived in Racine for over 60 years. He served in the United States Marine Corp as a Master technical Sergeant, receiving a Bronze Star for meritorious service at Iwo Jima. He served in the Pacific Theater assaulting the enemy and systematically taking the islands of Kwaialein, Eniwetok, Saipan, Guam, and finally Iwo Jima. He was united in marriage to the former Rosemary Broecker at Holy Name Catholic Church in Racine on Sept. 25, 1948. Together they had six children until her premature death from cancer at age 45. He worked for Walker Manufacturing, Modine, Franklin Appliance and retired from American Motors (Chrysler) in Dec. 1982 after 15 years of service. Although he had a successful business career, his life was his kids. A graduate of Northwestern University, He enjoyed business, current events and world affairs. He was a voracious reader of news and business periodicals and as a result was a brilliant conversationalist on world affairs. He was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church. Survivors include his children, Kathii (Bill) Becker of Ridgecrest, California, Christopher (Suzette) Magruder of Greenfield, Jim (Karen) Magruder, Mary Magruder, Bob (Patti) Magruder, all of Racine and Joan (Ron) Morales of Fallbrook, CA; Grandchildren, Shannon Christensen, Matthew Magruder, Nathan (Jenna) Magruder, David, Mark, Kayleen and Kris Magruder, Michael (Kelli) Schutz, Jacob Czebotar, Marciano, Alyssa, and Nicholas Morales; cousin-in-law, James F. Cape and niece, Maureen (John) Kuglitsch. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Rosemary Magruder, his siblings, Eugene, Elise, Carl and Mildred of Leonard, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at Grace Church, 3626 Hwy 31, on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Dave Dryer officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery with full military honors. Friends may meet with the family at the Wilson Funeral Home 1212 Lathrop Ave., on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 from 5-7 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

James Magruder

November 21, 1920 - April 4, 2008