Joseph Patrick McGillis

05/21/1955 - 12/25/2024

PhD Joseph Patrick McGillis, 69 years old, died on December 25 th, 2024, following a procedure at a hospital in Lexington, Ky. Joe was surrounded by his loving family and passed away peacefully. Joe retired from the University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics in 2022. His work as an Associate Professor spanned over 30 years, and he was proud of his student’s accomplishments and the difference his research has made. He also served as the Academic Ombud, which he found rewarding as he felt he made a difference in student lives. He was passionate about the UK Jazz Program, serving on many Doctorate of Music committees. He received his bachelor’s in chemistry from Montana State University and his PhD in Biochemistry from George Washington University in Washington DC. Joe completed his Postdoctoral work at the University of San Francisco. While at UK, he completed a sabbatical at the University of Chicago, where he expanded his expertise and had an opportunity to enjoy the jazz community in Chicago. 

In addition to his passion for research, he enjoyed playing jazz, woodworking, traveling, and sailing. He was the founding President of the Bluegrass Area Jazz Association, which supports the Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors (BAJA), an 18-piece Big Band. He played the sax in BAJA and looked forward to performing in their concerts. He most recently initiated a scholarship fund for jazz students at the University of Kentucky. Joe followed in his father’s footsteps (World War II pilot) when he joined the Army in 1973. 

He served in Heidelberg, Germany, as a member of the Army Band. His love for music and travel was further kindled during his service in Germany. Joe was also involved in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). He was a member of the Little Shell of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, or Ojibwe, based in Montana, where Joe was born and raised. His father had served as the Tribal Council Chief. 

Joe’s family and friends enjoyed his sense of humor, dedication to helping others with home projects, making furniture, and turning wooden bowls as unique gifts. He was a craftsman and was passionate about woodworking. When he retired, he spent many hours working in his shop. Joe loved water sports, including sailing. He was the captain of the family sailboat and greatly enjoyed chartering sailboats in Florida and around the San Juan Islands in British Columbia. He was an animal lover, having loved and cared for many dogs and cats over the years. He had a special spot in his heart for golden retrievers, perhaps through their shared love of the water. 

Joe was survived by his wife of 50 years, Gail (Adkins) (retired RN and CEO), daughter Adriane McGillis (Columbia, SC, Architect), son Sean McGillis (Oahu, Hawaii, Mechanical Engineer), daughter-in-law Stephanie (Oahu, Educator) and their three granddaughters, Quinn (age 9), Calla (age 6), and Elodi (age 4) who were the light of his life. His sister, Lucy Harmon, resides in the Minneapolis Area. His brother, Michael James, preceded Joe in death. His parents, Mac and Marge McGillis and in-laws, Bud and Vonnie Adkins also preceded Joe in death. 

Because of this passion for music and supporting students, the family is requesting, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Bluegrass Area Jazz Association (BAJA) in honor of Joe (QR Code below or Venmo @BAJA-KY) or send donations to BAJA at 2503 Lancaster Rd, Richmond, Ky. 40475. BAJA is a non-profit and a thank you letter will be sent for donation in Joe’s memory. A celebration of life service will be held in June; more details will be shared on Facebook and by e-mail. Please email jmcgilliscelebrationlife@gmail.com if you would like an update to the celebration of life in Joe’s memory. Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories of how Joe impacted your life and for your support, prayers, and love for Joe.