James "Jimmy" McGill, 93, passed away on June 10, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born February 22, 1918 in Cowie, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Jimmy was a World War II veteran serving in the British 8th Army Royal Engineers for 12 years. Under the command of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, in the early morning hours of December 21, 1942 aboard the infamous "SS Strathallan" while in route from the Firth of Clyde, Scotland steaming towards the North African coast during Operation Torch for the invasion of Morocco, Tunis and Algeria, she was torpedoed by German U-Boat U562. Although seriously damaged and listing heavily, the SS Strathallan was able to remain afloat. During this sailing she had over 4000 British and American soldiers, 250 Queen Alexandra nurses. It was not until the destroyer HMS Verity, the HMS Panter, and the tug Restive were able to pull along side that Jimmy and his fellow soldiers were able to jump to the rescue ship. Jimmy often joked about once they arrived on land they were given US issue clothing to wear until new British uniforms arrived. He said it was hard to surrender the US clothing because of the quality and feel of the material. Jimmy was proud that he was able to contribute to pushing Rommels' Afrika Corp out of the Mediterranean. However, there was very little rest, as they continued towards Italy to engage the German Army. From North Africa, he went into the Italian Campaign which included the invasion of Sicily. The 8th Army advanced toward Messina where they continued toward the invasion of continental Italy and on to Rome then continuing on to Austria.

Lower Austria was the sector controlled by the British after the war, where Jimmy was placed in charge of the prisoner of war camp in Klagenfurt, Austria. This is were he met his bride-to-be, Aurelia Stern, who was working for the British Government at the time. Jimmy received many commendations and awards during his service to his country, including the Victoria Cross, the George Cross, the Africa Star, the Italy Star, and the War Medal 1939-1945. He always respected and had no ill feelings toward his enemy. He said that they were young like him and most were doing what they thought was right at the time and, like himself, wanted the war to end so they could go home.

Jimmy later wed Aurelia in Vienna, Austria and, in 1954, they set out for a new life in the United States. They eventually settled in Dunbar, West Virginia where Jimmy and Aurelia became naturalized US Citizens in April 1958. He considered this to be one of his greatest achievements.
"The Great Scot" or "Scotty", as he was known by all his friends and colleagues, retired after 25 years of service to the Charleston Housing Authority.

Jimmy is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Maureen and Chuck Brown of Dunbar, West Virginia; son and daughter-in-law Brian J. McGill and Teresa L Davis of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Marcus (Michelle) Brown of Radford, Virginia; Jeffrey Brown of Aurora, Colorado; and Brian (Sarah) McGill II of Marietta, Georgia; 6 great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in Scotland. Jimmy was predeceased in death by his parents, Roland and Margaret Dunn McGill; wife, Aurelia Stern McGill; brothers John, Ronnie, David and George; and sisters Meg (Margaret), Isabel, Cecilia and Mary.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar, West Virginia where Jimmy will be laid to rest next to Aurelia. At a later date, the family will also take a portion of Jimmy's ashes back to his beloved Scotland where they will be scattered in the place of his childhood, and a proper Scottish celebration with family will be held. Cheerio, old chap!

In lieu of flowers, contributions to A G Rhodes at Wesley Woods, Atlanta, Georgia are recommended.

Hutcheson''s Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.