James Keith Magargee

Atwater, CA – Beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, James "Jim" Keith Magargee, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at 77.

Born on May 5, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to James and Alice Magargee, Jim was the oldest son in a family that instilled in him the values of education, hard work, and compassion. As the son of an Air Force officer, his childhood was shaped by moving to different parts of the country and the world. He completed his early education across various locations before pursuing a college education at the University of Oklahoma, and later completed his MBA at California State University Stanislaus.

Upon college graduation, Jim served his country honorably as an officer and Captain in the United States Air Force. After various assignments across the United States, from North Dakota to California, and internationally in Japan and the Philippines, his final assignment was Castle AFB in Atwater, CA. After his military service, Jim devoted his career to education, becoming a lifelong teacher who enriched the lives of countless students, from elementary school to the college level.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Puring; his son, Jimmy (of Minnesota); his daughter, Annie Songco (of New York) and her husband, Joe Songco; and his cherished grandchildren, Parker and Halen. He is also survived by his younger brothers, Pete Magargee (Kathy) of Texas, Mark Magargee (Sheryl) of Bakersfield, Chris Magargee (Christy) of Colorado, and his sister, Suzanne Magargee of Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Magargee.

Jim was an avid sports fan. In addition to his deep love for the Oklahoma Sooners football team - Boomer Sooner! - he was a devoted fan of the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants. Recently, he also became a proud supporter of St. John’s University basketball, where his grandson attends college. Let’s Go Johnnies!

Jim will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, and friendly nature. He had a remarkable ability to bring people together, often sharing his love for cooking and barbecuing with family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished forever. Jim also had a charismatic way of storytelling that left those who knew him with warm, lasting impressions.  His warmth and generosity affected many lives, and his legacy as both an educator and a veteran will never be forgotten. May his memory bring comfort to those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Church in Atwater on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM. 

In honor of Jim’s life and his commitment to helping others, the family encourages donations to the California Fire Foundation (calfirefoundation.org) or the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org). These contributions will continue his legacy of making a difference in the lives of others.

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