James Davis “Jimmy” McGee, 79, of Bardstown, died Wednesday, June 24, 2026. He completed his final day’s work and entered his eternal rest surrounded by the love of his family.
Like a faithful farmer who rises before dawn and works until the day’s light fades, he spent his life tending not only to Maple Meadow Dairy Farm, but also to the people he loved most. He proudly served as a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard serving with the Charlie Battery 2nd battalion 138th field artillery unit in Vietnam and was one of the Sons of Bardstown.
He was an excellent bowler, fisherman, hunter and loved searching for arrowheads, guns, knives, and a good deal! He was proud of the McGee Bicentennial farm of which he was the 7th generation. He worked tirelessly along side with his father. He devoted his life to the land, building a legacy rooted deep in love, dedication, and the countless hours of hard work shared with the love of his life.
He was a recipient of the “Outstanding Young Farmer” award. He was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, tracing his lineage to Lieutenant John McGee, who served alongside George Rogers Clark during the Revolutionary War.
In addition to being a lifelong farmer, he worked for Grigsby Co. hardware, Jim Beam, and did maintenance for the St. Gregory School.
For many years, he was a dedicated dairy farmer. He understood that a successful harvest comes from patience, hard work, and faith — values he carried into every part of his life. Long before the sun rose, he could be found in the barn caring for his herd, knowing that the work of a farmer is never truly finished. Through changing seasons, droughts and rains, good years and hard years, he remained steady, dependable, and devoted to his family.
His greatest crop was not the fields he planted or the cattle he raised, but the family he nurtured. He leaves behind a legacy that continues to grow through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, kindness, and examples.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lena Smith McGee; one granddaughter, Sydney Wood; and a canine companion, Andy.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patsy Shaw Moore McGee; four daughters, Sheila (Todd) Collins, Michelle Moore Ragan, Stephanie Wood (Thad Snellen) and Shawn (Todd) Bartley; one sister, Susan McGee (Richard) Kelty; and one brother, Jerry McGee; six grandchildren, Jami (Chad) Crepps, Kelsey Ragan (Josh Shain), Dannielle Gilkey (Cole Mattingly), Colton Wood (Elisa Perry), Ayden Gilkey (Ali Thornsberry) and Layne Davis Bartley; seven great-grandchildren, Beau Crepps, Reid Crepps, Claire Crepps, Katy Grace Mattingly, Braxton Ritchie, Jackson Ritchie and Lilah Shain; and one canine companion, Apollo.
The funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Barlow Funeral Home with the Rev. J. Randall Hubbard officiating. Burial is in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery.
Visitation is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the funeral home.
Pall Bearers are Ayden Gilkey, Layne Bartley, Colton Wood, Todd Collins, Todd Bartley and Chad Crepps. Honorary Pallbearers are Dannielle Gilkey, Jami Crepps, & Kelsey Ragan.
Memorial contributions may go to Barktown Rescue or WHAS Crusade for Children.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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