Claremont resident James P. McGuinn died at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center on May 8, 2009. He was 79.

Mr. McGuinn was born in White Plains, New York on December 26, 1929 to John and Laura McGuinn. Following high school graduation in New York, he entered the navy.

After his tour of duty, he attended the Indiana Institute of Technology where he studied engineering. As an engineer, his career took him from Akron, Ohio to southern California, to Toledo and then Oberlin, Ohio and back again to southern California where he retired. During these professional transitions, he lived in Claremont from 1959 to 1978, returning in 2006.

In retirement, Mr. Guinn volunteered at the City of Hope and the City of Duarte. He was also an active member of Claremont Kiwanis.

“He was the most loving, kind, wonderful man that you could ever meet,” said his daughter, Amy McGuinn-Godbey. “He was just so genuine.”

Mr. Guinn is survived by his son, Kevin McGuinn of Vermilion, Ohio; his daughter, Amy McGuinn-Godbey of Chicago, Illinois; his brothers, Edward McGuinn of Lynchburg, Virginia and Robert McGuinn of Lake Butler, Florida; his sister, Karen Fulford of Atlanta, Georgia; and by his 2 grandsons.

In 2006, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Patricia McGuinn, and by his sister, Barbara Staples.

A celebration of Mr. McGuinn’s life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel in Claremont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 N. Halsted St., Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60642.