James "Jimmy" McGee

So God made a farmer..

James Davis “Jimmy” McGee (79), of Bardstown, Kentucky, completed his final day’s work and entered his eternal rest on 06/24/2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Like a faithful farmer who rises before dawn and works until the day’s light fades, Jimmy 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 US Army National Guard serving with the Charlie Battery 2nd battalion 138th field artillery unit in Vietnam, Sons of Bardstown. He was an excellent bowler, fisherman, hunter and loved searching for arrow heads, guns, knives, and a good deal!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.  Along with being a lifelong farmer, he worked for Grigsby Hardware, Jim Beam, & maintenance for St. Gregory school.

For many years, Jimmy 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.

Jimmy’s 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 preceeded in death by his parents, Charles & Lena Smith McGee, a granddaughter, Sydney Wood and a canine companion, Andy.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patsy Shaw Moore McGee. 4 daughters - Sheila (Todd) Collins, Michelle Moore Ragan, Stephanie Wood (Thad Snellen), Shawn (Todd) Bartley. 6 grandchildren - Jami (Chad) Crepps, Kelsey Ragan (Josh Shain), Dannielle Gilkey (Cole Mattingly), Colton Wood (Elisa Perry), Ayden Gilkey (Ali Thornsberry), Layne Davis Bartley.
7 great grandchildren - Beau, Reid, Claire Crepps ; Katy Grace Mattingly ; Braxton & Jackson Ritchie ; Lilah Shain
1 sister - Susan McGee (Richard) Kelty & 1 brother - Jerry McGee
1 canine companion - Apollo

His funeral service will be 2 pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Barlow Funeral Home with Very Reverand J. Randall Hubbard officiating, burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 am - 2 pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Barlow Funeral Home. 

Memorial Contributions may go to Barktown Rescue or WHAS Crusade for Children.

Pall Bearers will be Ayden Gilkey, Layne Bartley, Colton Wood, Todd Collins, Todd Bartley and Chad Crepps.
Honorary Pallbearers are Dannielle Gilkey, Jami Crepps, & Kelsey Ragan.

For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head, your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed. Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended, put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended. You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son, hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done. A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way, the sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day. Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine, wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time. You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow, take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now. Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

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