Ashtabula- Rev. Dr. James Anthony McKee, 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 28, 2021.

He was born on May 2, 1936, in Canton, Ohio the son of Harold F. and Edith A. (Rischel) McKee. James served his country honorably in the United States Navy.

Rev. McKee was a pastor, evangelist, teacher and funeral director. He loved to read his bible, enjoyed traveling, fishing, cooking, and watching old movies. Rev. McKee loved his bible study families and the time spent with them studying God’s word. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and his family will miss his laughter.

Rev. McKee is survived by his beloved wife, Sam L. Wels-McKee, whom he would have celebrated 7 years of marriage on January, 2, 2022; children, Erika (Daryl) Collins, Monika (Tommy) Crowell, Jamie (Allison) Falconi and Jessie (LTC Steven, USAF`) Veves; grandchildren, Seth Goodley, Britney (Rodney) Stewart, Cody and Brady Faz, Evan and Olivia Veves; his great-grandchildren, whom he adored, Maverick, Mason and Mia Stewart; and dear sister, Janet A. (Louis Vargo) Shusky.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Elke Renate McKee; brother, MSG, Harold F. McKee, Jr., Ret. USAF; and a grandson, Justin Falconi.

A celebration of life will be held, Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 2:00PM at the Ashtabula Pentecostal Church of God, 2201 Cook Rd., with his dear friend Rev. Kenneth Roberts, officiating. Rev. McKee was interred at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Bishop Erasmus Nosa Oleghe, Benin City, Nigeria, West Africa Drinking Well Water Project, Zelle Account, Queen Ikeke Imarhiagbe, 678-852-7087, this was a cause near and dear to Rev. McKee’s heart.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut, Ohio, 44030.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com