JB McGuire lived his life on his own terms.

He was born just shy of 77 years ago in Chicago, IL, Much loved by his parents, they instilled a lifelong love of learning in him. Many times he would regale his kids and anyone else who would listen with stories of their math games and the academic rigor that they expected of him. It stood him well, as he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He utilized his degree to become an officer in the Navy and went back to school, earning a Juris Doctorate and became a Patent Attorney.

JB had four children from his first marriage and did his best to instill the same desire to learn in them. He enjoyed teaching them and attending their sporting events, especially their soccer games. He coached and refereed for AYSO, and was so good at it, he moved up the referee ranks to work semi pro soccer games in Los Angeles.

August 4, 1978, was the best day of his life! Not only was it his birthday, more importantly, he married his soul mate, the love of his life, Marilyn McGuire. It was clear from the beginning, that she was the reason he was placed on this earth. They shared everything, even a birthday, so he used to joke that he never again celebrated a birthday, just the "World Holiday".

His other loves were God and Country. He would often say, "God is a member of our family!" He did not fear death because God was waiting for him. He loved the constitution and the freedoms spelled out in it. He believed that God had inspired our Founding Fathers as it reflected the best in mankind and allowed him to follow his free will. He could spend hours debating politics, Knowing God was on his side.

JB had a quick wit and high intelligence. He was known for his jokes and his word play that more often than not, would leave his audience groaning.

One look at him, with his twinkle in his eyes, it was easy to understand why he would be mistaken for Santa Clause. He derived great pleasure from that and did many mothers a favor, reminding their children that he was always watching.

His time in the Navy instilled a love of the sea and boating. Both he and Marilyn joined the Power Squadron and loved to charter boats to cruise the San Juan Islands. On one such cruise, they discovered their home of the past 14 years on Orcas Island.
JB was known for his strong will. When stage four melanoma metastasized to the brain the usual
prognosis is three to five months. Even a strong man needs a reason to fight though, and it was his love and devotion for Marilyn, that provided him with the resolve to live for nineteen months. He lost the fight on July 3rd, 2015. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his kids Katie, Marguerite, John and Kevin, and step kids Russ, John, and Andy.

He is already missed.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of JB, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.