James Clifford McCaw, Sr., age 69, of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his residence in Highland, IL.
He was born on Monday, March 19, 1956, in Highland, IL, the son of William and Eileen (nee Zbinden) McCaw.
On Friday, February 4, 1977, he married Evelyn Marie McCaw (nee Scribner) in Trenton, IL, who passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2016.
James was born and raised in Highland. He graduated from Highland High School in 1975 and went to work at a Sawmill in Pierron, IL. James went on to work in the maintenance department at the Highland School District for 26 years, retiring in 2014.
James enjoyed going to Rampart Shooting Range in Pocahontas, as well as collecting guns and knives. He could often be found at Silver Lake fishing. He loved the outdoors and had a big garden in his backyard. James loved playing the bass guitar and playing in local bands, such as Chapman Brothers and Juke Box Jammers, as well as multiple other bands. A favorite pastime he enjoyed was watching wild west movies and wrestling.
Survivors include:
- Daughter – Karen Sue (Joseph A.) Hess, Highland, IL
- Daughter – Linda Lee (Jason) Dile, Jacksonville, FL
- Daughter – Jamie Marie McCaw, Granite City, IL
- Daughter – Heidi Louise (Nathan) Wempe, Breese, IL
- Son – James C. McCaw Jr., Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Quinn E. Wheatley, Jacksonville, FL
- Grandchild – Emily D. Hess, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Olivia M. Hess, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Jacob T. Blaylock, Granite City, IL
- Grandchild – Chloe A. Blaylock, Granite City, IL
- Grandchild – Michael J. Blaylock, Granite City, IL
- Grandchild – Joshua A. Murphy, Granite City, IL
- Grandchild – Faith M. Wempe
- Grandchild – Alyix J. McCaw
- Grandchild – Jessaime M. McCaw
He was preceded in death by:
- Wife – Evelyn Marie McCaw (died 10/19/2016)
- Father – William Otto McCaw, Sr. (died 8/14/2009)
- Mother – Eileen Violet McCaw (died 03/12/1997)
- Sister – Hedy Hock, Millersburg, IL
- Brother – William O. McCaw, Jr.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
