Long Time Athletic Administrator Jim McGhee Passes Away
May 08, 2019 | General
Mr. McGhee served the Cardinals in various capacities since 1977
Jim McGhee, a member of the UofL athletic staff since 1977, has passed away.
Mr. McGhee, as he was fondly referred to, spent the last 24 years as assistant athletic director for varsity sports and student life.
He assisted with the operation of nearly all UofL varsity sports and had a number of additional duties. He operated the NCAA National Youth Sports Program, a summer program for at-risk boys and girls, for the athletic department for 20 years.
"Jim was the definition of the true Cardinal Spirit. He was loyal, hard-working and a stickler for detail. One of the most organized and meticulous members of the athletic staff, he was 100 percent reliable, had a true servant's heart and was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be sorely missed here at Cardinal Athletics," said Kenny Klein, senior associate athletic director, who worked with Mr. McGhee for 36 years.
McGhee joined the UofL athletic department in 1977 as assistant athletic trainer and football equipment manager. After nine years in that role, he became UofL's equipment and facilities manager in 1986, a position he held until his most recent appointment.
He worked four years as assistant athletic trainer at Harvard University (1973-77) and had a pair of two year stints as head athletic trainer and equipment manager at Texas Southern University (1971-73) and Mississippi Valley State University (1969-71).
McGhee earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and science at Mississippi Valley State in 1969 and a master's degree in human movement and physical education at Boston University in 1975.
He is survived by his wife Linda, son James McGhee Jr. (Kim), daughter Veronica Garner (Gregory) and six grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on May 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the funeral following on May 14 at noon. Both will be held at Watson Memorial Baptist at 7217 Nachand Lane, Louisville, Ky., 40218.
