Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Top Ten J.V. McGee Things You Probably Didn't Know

Here are ten things I bet most of you did not know about my late maternal grandfather, John Vernon McGee, known to you as Dr. J. Vernon McGee.

  1. Hated his first name John, hence "J. Vernon" McGee.
  2. Was a reserve in the US Army cavalry as a very young man. 
  3. While casting about as a youth, at least once attended a Communist Party meeting.
  4. Met his soul-mate, Ruth Inez Jordan, on a blind date set up by mutual married friends.
  5. Tried to enlist as a chaplain during World War II but was informed he was too old.
  6. Was an avid rockhound often heading to the High Desert in the 1940s & 1950s. 
  7. Enjoyed photography, especially of flowers and Pasadena's Rose Parade.
  8. Favorite flower was the camellia which grew in abundance in his back yard.  
  9. Was strongly afraid of flying in an airplane (but flew a lot anyway).
  10. Once received a high-end popcorn maker from actress Joan Crawford (long story). 
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9 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2016 at 4:06 AM

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 5, 2016 at 6:04 AM

    Very interesting. All the best in 2016.
    Sean

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJanuary 5, 2016 at 6:06 AM

    Very interesting.
    Your personal story is very interesting as well, though as you say not even an outline.
    All the best in 2016.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim NoyesMay 6, 2016 at 9:38 AM

      And a belated "all the best to you in 2016" as well.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousMay 5, 2016 at 10:59 PM

    Why did your grandfather die in a nursing home instead of home? Was he an invalid because of his heart? Someone told me they thought he was a heavy smoker. I used to listen to him many years ago. Things are crazy now. ajc p.s. His later sermons were so different from his earlier ones. Why do you think that was? Can you e mail me?

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    Replies
    1. Kim NoyesMay 6, 2016 at 9:37 AM

      Grandpa's heart was failing which had also caused some brain damage and he needed medical-level care in a convalescent hospital which is what he got at the then-named Templeton Gardens which was a block south of the main hospital around here. Grandfather never smoked. His earlier sermons were recorded Church of the Open Door sermons taped in the actual Sunday morning service. His later sermons were recorded at Thru The Bible Radio in Pasadena, CA, after he retired in 1970.

      Delete
  5. UnknownJuly 23, 2016 at 9:59 AM

    Kim, we are among the multitudes who love hearing Through the Bible. Today, there was a Q&A where he told the story of leaving the Presbyterian Church. Do you know the year? I have searched and know when he went to Church of the Open Door. Was it then? Nice to discover you on this search. Thanks much

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  6. UnknownSeptember 6, 2016 at 2:21 AM

    Im the son of a preacher not a famous one but lots of similarities. I think satan uses the skill they are given to hurt the offspring of Godley men. He uses our self interest or insecurity to further his evil ends. Anyway I was just looking up your grandfather and mother to see what became of his family. Its been.....still is a long journey for you but I'm glad to see you found peace. Live in the light of God not the shadow of your grandfather.

    ReplyDelete
  7. MECSeptember 30, 2016 at 7:59 PM

    I'd like to hear the popcorn maker story sometime. Another post for another day?

    ReplyDelete

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