Joseph “Joe” Patrick McGee Jr. beloved husband, father, brother, son, veteran and storyteller passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025 at his West Virginia mountain home.
Joe was born October 3, 1972 in Stratford, New Jersey, the son of Joseph McGee Sr. and Jessie Hannigan McGee. From a young age, his vivid imagination and love of storytelling were evident. He spent his youth crafting tales in spiral-bound notebooks and reading them aloud to friends at recess, crafting the passion that became the foundation of his life’s work.
Joe earned his BA in Psychology and MA in Writing from Rowan University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. His academic journey was marked by numerous honors and a deep commitment to learning and teaching.
Before becoming an author, Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army for four years as an Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. He also held a career in electrical construction. Joe later transitioned into education, teaching writing at Sierra Nevada University, Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.
Joe’s proudest achievement was his writing. He authored over 30 books for children including beloved series Junior Monster Scouts, Night Frights, Creature Campers, the Peanut Butter & Brains picture books and forthcoming Sherlock Roach graphic novels. His stories, filled with monsters, magic, and humor, brought joy and laughter to readers of all ages. His work was recognized by School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and the Sunshine State Young Readers Award program, but most importantly, it reached and inspired countless young readers.
Joe was a cartoonist, game creator, educator and lifelong storyteller. He loved playing and designing RPGs, chopping wood, moving boulders, and blazing trails. He found joy in the quiet beauty of rural West Virginia, a place he came to love unexpectedly, alongside his wife and beloved dogs, Pepper and Odin. His legacy lives on in the laughter of children, the pages of his books, and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, fellow children’s author Jessica Rinker, his children, Shane McGee, Logan McGee, Sawyer McGee; and Zachary Cooper, Ainsley Cooper, and Braeden Cooper, all of whom he loved deeply. He also leaves behind his former wife, Kristen Grohowski McGee, and two brothers, John and James McGee.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack McGee, whose memory remained close to him.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, November 15, 2025 in Phelps Funeral Chapel 311 Hope Drive Winchester, VA officiated by Pastor Peter Mantell. Interment will be private. Friends will be received an hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: the Little Free Library (https://littlefreelibrary.org/support/ways-to-give/), the American Library Association’s Unite Against Book Bans (https://ec.ala.org/donation/PPA-0809-UABBFD) or WordPlay Connects: https://wordplaywv.com/wordplayconnects/
Arrangements are by Phelps Funeral & Cremation Service.
