Thomas “Tom” E. McGinnis,80, of Makanda, Illinois went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 4, 2024.
He was born August 23, 1943 in Jacksonville, Illinois, the eldest son of Norbert and Catherine (Maloney) McGinnis.
Tom married Mary Kathryn “Kaye” Duval in Divernon, Illinois and they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on March 18th.
He attended Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville and was baptized at Our Saviors Catholic Church. He earned a degree in marketing at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale in 1967 and a master’s degree in Guidance and Educational Psychology at SIU-C in 1969. He joined the school’s Admissions and Records Office in 1969 where he later became the director. After retiring from SIU in 1999 he served as a consultant at the University of Illinois at Springfield. He then became Dean of Enrollment at MacMurray College in Jacksonville and later served as a transfer coordinator at John A. Logan College until his final retirement.
‘Once a Saluki, always a Saluki”, were words that Tom lived by. Tom’s love and dedication to Southern Illinois University was obvious to all who knew and loved him. As a multiple sport season ticket holder for more than forty years, he rarely missed a game. Tom truly loved, “Being a Saluki”.
Tom is survived by his wife Kaye; sons Troy (Jennifer) McGinnis; Tim McGinnis; granddaughter; Cali McGinnis; brothers; Jerry (Linda) McGinnis; David (Nancy) McGinnis all of Jacksonville, Illinois and Ken (Ann)of East Lansing, Michigan; sister Mary Sue (Bob) Blank of Columbia, Illinois; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Norbert and Catherine McGinnis; brother; Norbert “Danny” McGinnis.
Memorial Service will be held this Saturday May 11, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Grand Avenue Church in Carbondale. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Patrick Langan officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be made to SIU Athletics 1235 Douglas Drive, Mail Code 6805 Carbondale, Illinois 62901, Routt Catholic High School 500 East College Avenue Jacksonville, Illinois 62650, Grand Avenue Christian Church 1305 East Grand Avenue Carbondale, Illinois 62901.
Walker Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences(2)-
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Wilbur Whamod says
May 9, 2024 at 8:53 amDear Kaye, Ken and Family:
Sincere condolences on the loss of a very good guy. He was a steady presence at the Sigma Pi House
and a kind, helpful man in all respects.
Laraine Wright says
May 19, 2024 at 3:33 pmI got to know Tom at SIU and greatly appreciated his creative professionalism and abilities in enrollment marketing. The university’s highest enrollment occurred during his tenure with much credit to him and his staff. I am glad he was able to contribute his talents elsewhere, too. To his family, I am sorry for your loss..