James Archie McGillis, 89, formerly of Liverpool, NY and currently residing in Cato, NY, was granted his angel wings on Tuesday, just 1 day shy of his 90 ^th birthday. All of his days were spent surrounded by family and his buddy Toby, his Maltese. Jim was born in Orwell, NY, a son of the late Charles H. and Doris (McConnell) McGillis. He grew up in Natural Bridge, NY and attended school in Carthage, NY. Jim was on the championship basketball team with his cousins in High School. Jim enlisted in the US Navy when he was 17 in 1950 and served during the Korean Conflict as a Torpedoman on the Destroyer USS Phillip. He was stationed in Hawaii, Korea, and traveled to Japan while in the service. After serving his country, he married Shirley Seidenfus on July 3, 1954, a blessed union of 56 years. Jim began his career in heating and air conditioning working at the Carrier Corp and Mastri Heating and Air Conditioning. In 1958, Jim and Shirley started the McGillis Heating and Air Conditioning business in Liverpool, NY. Jim was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Syracuse, NY and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Liverpool, NY; and Emmanuel Lutheran Church while in Venice, FL. James joined the Liverpool Fire Dept in 1964 and served many years as a firefighter, Lt., Captain and Deputy Chief. Jim was also an Honorary Life member of the IRA Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Police. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 188 in Liverpool.  Jim was very passionate about helping others and was involved with the Liverpool Village board as Building Inspector for a number of years. Jim spent many mornings at Heid's having coffee with the "Village Elders" "solving" problems for the Village. In 1975, he was awarded "Citizen of the year" at the annual Memorial Day services in the village. Jim was as a member of the Zoning Board for the Town of Sullivan while living in Bridgeport, NY. Later in life, after retiring from the heating business, James started a food cart business called the "Lil Donut Shop". During the summer months, he had his food truck at Onondaga Lake Park near the boathouses, and during the other months, he would have it at the Lake Village community where he and Shirley lived in Florida. Jim lived during the winter months in Nokomis, FL spending time with his Best Friend Ed Krick, doing odd jobs for the residents in the Lake Village Community Park. Jim was a member of the Lake Village Parks Board for many years. He enjoyed having Monday morning breakfast with the "Boys" every week.

James was predeceased by his loving wife, Shirley in 2009.

Surviving to cherish his legacy are his two sons, Charles J. and Sandy McGillis of Fulton, NY and Terry W. McGillis and Patty York of Cato, NY; grandchildren, Katrina L. McGillis, Stephanie M. Paparo (Zachary), Stephen (Taylor) S. York and Michael R. York;, great-granddaughter, Lillianna York,.; great-niece, Christian Petherbridge (Nick), nephew, William (Maura) Evertz, Thomas and Claire and several other nieces and nephews.

The Family will receive visitors on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Maurer Funeral Home, Inc. 300 second Street, Liverpool, NY. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 11:00 am in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 210 Hazel Street, Liverpool, NY, by the Rev. Deborah Stein. Interment will be in the Spring with Military Honors at Bridgeport Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church's Memorial Fund or the IRA Volunteer Fire Department, 12591 State Route 176, Cato, NY 13033.

Death is an end only to earthly pain and strife. The soul lives on forever. In death we return to our home, a world of peace, a beautiful paradise, a place of endless comfort and joy where we're rejoined with the Father in heaven. Death is not an end. It's a beginning of a new and beautiful existence.

Please sign the funeral home on-line guestbook for Jim to express your condolences to his family.