Lt. Col. James McGrew (USAF Retired)

Lt. Col. James A. McGrew (USAF Retired), age 81, passed away on July 20, 2022 in Gulfport, MS. He was also known as “Big” by his grandchildren and “Jim” by friends and family. He was born in Biloxi, MS to Bennie McGrew and Myra Lott McGrew, and graduated from Bushy Park High School in London, England. He achieved a Bachelors in Science in Geology from the University of Southern Mississippi, and Masters of Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in February of 1964 where he served for 20 years. The aircrafts he flew as a navigator were C130, C141, C5 (Initial Cadre), and EC47 in Thailand. After he returned from the Vietnam War, he was an instructor for navigation. He was selected for Air Command and Staff School which is an equivalent to a Masters Program. He also navigated for the Hurricane Hunters.

He was a resident of Gulfport and was an active member Coalville United Methodist Church for over 25 years. He was baptized as a Christian in his 50’s and was a firm believer in Jesus Christ. He was one of the kindest and most giving people, a truly loyal friend and an amazing husband, father and grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie McGrew and Myra Lott McGrew; and his beloved sister, Jo Love Rogers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Carolyn McGrew of Gulfport; two children, Andy McGrew (Rachel) of Daphne, AL, Julie McGrew Farlow (Eddie) of Gulfport; four grandchildren, Jay Farlow (Payton Tillman), Jacob McGrew, Isabella McGrew, Sejay McGrew; siblings, Dan McGrew (Tina) of Gulfport, Connie Regan (Michael) of Hattiesburg, Kat Lukens (Gary) of Hattiesburg; and adored by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and funeral services at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at Coalville United Methodist Church, 12298 Shorecrest Rd, Biloxi, MS. Burial with military honors will follow at Coalville Cemetery.

The family requests no flowers. Instead, donations preferred to Coalville United Methodist Church for Jims favorite ministries: Operation Christmas Child and/ or Backpack Blessings.

He will be waiting for his beloved wife Carolyn on the banks of Jordan.

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