Community · Chippenham
Tributes paid to popular Melksham community campaigner James McGee
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The community is mourning the loss of James McGee, a well-known local advocate and charity supporter who has died at the age of 81.
Tributes have been paid to James McGee, a dedicated Melksham community figure known for his tireless advocacy and sociable nature, following his death at the age of 81.
Mr McGee, a resident of Holbrook Vale, passed away on October 13. He was widely recognised across the town as a man who was deeply committed to helping others, having served as a board member of Wiltshire MIND and as the founding chairman of the Berryfield and Melksham Tenants Residents Association. His contributions to the local area were formally recognised in 2005 when he was awarded the Intel Good Neighbour Prize at the People of Wiltshire Awards.
His daughter, Carolyn Hughes, described him as a man who was central to the Melksham community. She said: 'Anyone in Melksham back in the day, everyone knew him. He was the man about town. He would often be out and about talking to people. He was a very fun person to be around. He was always helping people.'
Mr McGee was perhaps best known for his devoted care of his wife, Mary, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. Throughout her illness, he campaigned extensively against the then Wiltshire County Council to secure proper respite care and domestic support. In a notable instance of his persistence, he wrote to Cherie Booth QC, which led to the family receiving support and an invitation to meet her and then-prime minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street.
His interest in supporting carers also led to an unexpected international connection. During a 2007 trip to Australia—made possible after a lottery win he felt brought him closer to his late wife—he encountered politician Kevin Rudd while he was campaigning in a shopping centre. The two struck up a conversation about the challenges of being a carer, a subject that remained close to Mr McGee's heart throughout his life.
Born in County Durham in 1944, Mr McGee moved frequently during his childhood as his father served in the RAF. He eventually settled in Wiltshire after meeting his wife, Mary, at a dance in Trowbridge. The couple married in Steeple Ashton in 1965 and went on to have two daughters, Alison and Carolyn.
The family is currently finalising funeral arrangements, which are hoped to take place on November 13. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Secret World Wildlife Rescue, reflecting Mr McGee's long-standing affection for animals, particularly the hedgehogs he cared for at his home.
Source: Gazette & Herald · View original