Obituary - James Peter McGregor
August 9, 2011
James Peter McGregor, Gettysburg, SD, formerly of Big Piney, Wyoming, passed away in Gettysburg, South Dakota, on Saturday, July 30 at the age of 83. He was born to James Henry McGregor and Grace Burns McGregor on July 19, 1928 in Crookston, Minnesota. He was known by family and friends as "Mac" or "Jim" and grew up in LaMoure, North Dakota.
James served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 24 years as a communications specialist. He graduated from Moler Barber College in Fargo, North Dakota, and did his barber apprenticeship in New Rockford, North Dakota between military tours. While in the Air Force, he traveled throughout the U.S. and other countries; each of his five children was born in a different state. He was a veteran of foreign wars serving in Northern Africa; Laon, France; Okinawa, Japan; and in Vietnam earning him several service medals. In Vietnam, he initiated underground communication, which later earned him recognition from the U.S. government. James kept his achievements quiet, but later a briefcase of medals was discovered. After his Air Force career, he moved to Big Piney, Wyoming, where he owned and operated a barber shop for nearly thirty years. James became a staple in the town until he retired at the age of 75. He had a passion for the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish with his well trained dogs by his side. He was also a car enthusiast and a good artist.
James is survived by five children: Tim (Mona) McGregor , Sidney, Montana; Cindy (Juergen) Pfeiffer , Fargo, North Dakota; Patrick (Jackie) McGregor, Kalispell, Montana; Joan (Chris) McGregor Poer , Bismarck, North Dakota; Mike (Pia) McGregor, Fargo, North Dakota; his first wife, Mary McGregor, Fargo, North Dakota; and sisters, Marjorie (Gerald) Sweeney¸ Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Evelyn (Ray) Harrison, Soap Lake, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jean Allen McGregor, and five sisters: Dorothy Mattson, Susan Elnora Orban, Lucille Cox, Mildred Hilgers, and Theresa McGhie.
Visitation: Thursday, August 11, 10:00-11:00 am at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, LaMoure, North Dakota.
Funeral Service: Thursday, August 11, 11:00 am at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, LaMoure, North Dakota.
Burial: The Holy Rosary Cemetery, near LaMoure, North Dakota, after the funeral service.
|
