DOVER - James E. McGuigan Jr, loving husband, beloved father; grandfather; and great-grandfather, died peacefully after a long illness on Nov. 2, 2012. At the time of his death he was surrounded by his loving family. James was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Michelle McGuigan; his father, James E. McGuigan Sr.; his mother, Lucille McGuigan; and his younger brother, Bill McGuigan. James is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Sherrill McGuigan; and his four children, James McGuigan III, Sherri McGuigan Blevins and her husband Keith Blevins, Mark McGuigan, and Brian McGuigan; as well as his grandchildren, Anne Blevins Rose and her husband Joe, Casey E. Blevins, Matthew J. McGuigan, Chelsea Anne McGuigan, and Michael McGuigan; and his great-grandchildren, Olivia Rose, and Joey Rose. James (Jim) was born in Austin, Texas on Feb. 12, 1944 to James and Lucille McGuigan. After WWII Jim's father moved his family to Newport, Delaware. Jim attended St. Matthew's Catholic School, and then he attended P.S Dupont High School where he excelled in Math, and Science. Jim then enlisted in the Marine Corps. Jim met and fell in love with Sherrill Cantler while attending P.S Dupont. They were married on Feb. 16, 1963. Jim acquired a love for law enforcement and made that his career. He spent 33 years as a loyal and dedicated police officer, retiring in 2001. Of those years, 28 were with Delaware State Capital Police, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. During his tenure at Capital Police, Jim was also the Police Chief of Felton for 13 of those years. A decorated officer, Jim was know by his fellow officers who worked along side, and for him as a man of integrity, dedication, loyalty, honesty, and compassion. Jim was also a humble, and modest hero to many families and individuals. Throughout his career, if he found that there was a family in need of food; that family might find bags of groceries on there front porch on any given morning. If a family or individual was homeless, or in need of financial help, Jim would stop at nothing until shelter was found, or financial services were rendered, even if it meant coming out of his own pocket. He never wanted nor desired any fanfare regarding this. Jim helped so many people over the years. He did so quietly, and discretely. Jim and his wife Sherrill spent every moment they could in their favorite place…the beach! When both Jim and Sherrill retired they lived at their beach place from April to October of every year. Jim loved and spent many hours on his boat, fishing and cruising the Bay. The beach became their home away from home! Jim would like to be remembered for being a loyal and loving husband, a dedicated father and grandfather, and for cherishing his family. He was extremely proud of his children, and grandchildren. He was hardworking, fair, honest, and dependable, you could set your watch by him! The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Theresa Little for being Jim's dedicated physician for over 20 years, and to the amazing nurses and staff at Kent General Hospital who became our father's guardian angels during his last days. The devotion, compassion, and care you showed our father will never be forgotten. A viewing will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main St., Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover, DE. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.