James “Jimmy” Paul McGahee, 64, of Evans, Georgia, entered heavenly rest on April 12th, 2026. Also affectionately known as “Big Daddy” to many. Jimmy was born April 26, 1961, in Statesville, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Eulin McGahee, Jr. and Shelby Cash McGahee; grandparents, Ralph Eulin McGahee, Sr. and Myrtle McGahee; Ralph Cash and Faye Cash; and his in-laws, Bobby Lee Fields and Shirley Ann Fields.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Debra Fields McGahee; daughter, Meagan McGahee Scheer, and her husband, Dillon Jay Scheer; his precious granddaughter—the light of his life—Eleanor “Ellie” Ann Scheer; brother, Ralph Eulin “Trey” McGahee III, wife Kate; sister, Anna Maran DeMeyers; brother-in-law, David “Pete” Eugene Fields, wife Vicki; nieces and nephews, Hunter Fields (Morgan), Summer DesMarais (Scott), Shelby Scott (Marshall), Brittany Deckert (Bo), Tyler McGahee (Mikayla), Hadden DeMeyers, Noah McGahee, Ralph Eulin McGahee IV; and several great-nieces and nephews.

His love of sports began at a young age, having played varsity football for Glen Hills High School and cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs on the weekends.

Having worked his way through high school and beyond at his dad’s Volkswagen shop, he grew a passion for building racing engines for three teams. You could find him at the local dirt tracks every weekend, celebrating winning teams back-to-back. His love for dirt track racing continued even when he was no longer building engines.

He felt most at peace in the wilderness. He loved hunting, fishing, tending to his garden, and spending time at his happy place—his hunting land in Avera, Georgia.

He loved to host and grill for everyone and anyone. He could always be found behind the grill, cooking for a crowd and sharing his latest recipes.

His most recent joy was being “Papa” to his first grandchild, Ellie. He took great pride in caring for her daily and in showing her off to anyone who would listen.

Family was always most important to him. His love for them was never questioned. He leaves behind an empty space in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him. If you ever met him, you were never a stranger. He was a simple man, and you always knew where you stood with him. He was happiest when those he loved and cared for were happy.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Atrium of Stevens Creek Church, 600 Stevens Creek Rd. Augusta GA 30907,with Pastor Will Riddle officiating. Interment will follow at Bellevue Memoiral Gardens. The family will recieve friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Honoroed to serve as pallbearers are John Hall, Steve Poff, Lamar Nail, Hunter Fields, Hadden Demeyers, and Noah McGahee. 

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center.