James "Big Jim" McKee, Sr.

February 22, 1941 - September 19, 2019

James “Big Jim” McKee, Sr., 78, of Harding, IL, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2019 at his home. He was born February 22, 1941 in Gobi, TN, the son of John W. Harris and Betty Jean McKee. He married Carole J. Morris on September 26, 1988 in Ottawa, IL. Jim was a former member of the Moose, where he enjoyed many good drinks with great friends. He was a proud veteran of the US Army, serving from 1959-60. Jim enjoyed playing his guitar, hunting, fishing, and covered bridge tours. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family, especially his dog, Bubba. He is survived by his wife, Carole of Harding, IL; seven children, Tracy Tipton of Ottawa, IL, Jamie (Willie) Stewart of Ottawa, IL, Kimberly Tipton of FL, James (Sebby) McKee, Jr. of Ottawa, IL, Jennifer (Jeffrey) Kueteman of Ottawa, IL, Jyll (Troy) Green of MO, and Ronnie (Emeri) Smoot of Sandwich, IL; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; his siblings, Danny (Pat) Clowers, Thelma Young, Dorothy (John) Pettenger, Johnny Harris, Robert (Nancy) Harris, Vickey (Jeff) Withey, and Dana (Robin) Harris; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Gary and Timothy Tipton, three brothers, James Harris, Don Harris, and Ken Clowers, one sister, Barbara Robbins. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk with Rev. John Paul Robbins officiating. Burial will follow at Precinct Cemetery in Earlville, with Military Honors by Ottawa Legion Post 33. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the funeral home in Somonauk. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com Turner-Eighner Funeral Home 13160 Rt 34 W ~ PO Box 404 Somonauk, IL 60518 815-498-2363