James R. McKee, 75, of Vanderbilt, passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, at his residence after a lingering illness.

Jim was born Nov. 28, 1941, in Connellsville, a son of the late William McKee and Vera (Strickler) McKee Franks.

Jim married the former Lois Whoric on Nov. 19, 1966.

Jim was a devoted husband and retired conductor with CSX Railroad, retiring on July 31, 2002, after working for 31 years. Prior to retiring, he worked for Chessie and B&O railroads, and years ago, with Anchor Hocking Cap Division in South Connellsville. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Jim served his country aboard the U.S.S. Vulcan during the Bay of Pigs Conflict.

He was a member of the Vanderbilt United Methodist Church and a graduate of Dunbar Township High School, Class of 1959. He was a former member of the DLV Fire Department and a member of the Fayette County Fireman's Association. Jim enjoyed fishing, trains, eagles, and bowling with the Tri-Scott Bowling League at Yough Lanes.

Jim will be sadly missed by his wife of 50 years, Lois (Whoric) McKee; his sisters-in-law, Nancy Peebles and her husband Robert and Cynthia Rath and her husband William, all of Vanderbilt; his brothers-in-law, Joseph Whoric of Arizona, James Whoric and his wife Betty of Tennessee, and Donald "Jack" Whoric of Vanderbilt; his nieces and nephews, including his special nephew, Robert Peebles, "his buddy"; and his special grandchildren, Sabrina, Tessa, and Thomas Baker, Curtis, Cooper James, and Alaizha.

Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the Ralph E. Galley Funeral Home, 501 Railroad St., Dawson, 724- 529-2611, www.fergusonfunerals.com.

Family and friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 2-8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday with the Rev. Dr. Marvin Watson officiating.

Chapel committal service will follow in Dickerson Run Union Cemetery, with full military honors bestowed by the Connellsville VFW Post 21 burial detail.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to Fayette EMS crews, Amedisys Hospice, Dr. Richard Tiberio, Uniontown Cancer Center nurses and aides, Dr. Dai, Dr. Gil Perez, and the staff of Galley Funeral Home for their loving care.

Memorials may be made to: Uniontown Cancer Center, 100 Woodlawn Ave, Uniontown, Pa. 15401.

Love Lasts Forever!