McBride, James J. "Jim" age 88 of Excelsior, passed away Saturday after a long battle with cancer. Jim lived his life to the fullest, traveling the world with his wife, Beth, and touching lives everywhere he went. The quintessential gentleman, Jim was known around his circles as warm, genuine, and thoughtful. He was a friend to all who knew him and made new friends quickly and easily with his relaxed charm and outgoing manner. Jim was born in Philipsburg, New Jersey in 1931. He moved to Detroit with his parents and sisters, Pat and Ann, where he grew up to attend St. Benedict's High School and to receive a BS from the University of Detroit. Jim served as a second lieutenant during the Korean War, receiving many honors from his commanding officers. After his military career, he married Marjorie deBoves and had five beautiful children. Jim joined Aeroquip Corporation in 1957 and remained with them for 35 years, living briefly in Hartford and Cleveland, then finally moving to Minneapolis where he found a permanent home. In 1982, Jim married Beth, and they have been a model of commitment and devotion. They have spent the last 37 years traveling the world, always sharing wonderful experiences with friends and family. In 1997, Jim began his second career by founding Advanced Skin Therapeutics skin care company, where he worked until a month ago. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Beth Briden, MD; children, Gerald F. McBride, Jane M. (Dave) Sanford, Thomas J. McBride (Margaret Braccio), James J. McBride (Patricia Carrington), Sheila K. McBride; grandchildren, Sayyid, Peter, Dan; in-laws Kay Briden, Dick (Bev) Briden, Connie (Steve) Ritchie; nieces and nephews, Nick (Veronica) Briden, Courtney Briden (Scott Donley), Greg Briden, Eric Briden, Blair Briden, Ed Mies, Jim (Janice) Mies, Jerry (Ann) Mies, Jean Ann Mies, Cathy (Tim) Diamond, Mike (Jane) Mies. Jim was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary P. "Pat" Mies, Ann Haskill; brothers-in-law, Kim P. Briden and James E. Mies; nephew, Tom Mies. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Nov 22, 11:30 a.m. at the Church of St. John the Baptist, 680 Mill Street Excelsior, MN. Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 5801 Lyndale Ave. South and also at St. John the Baptist 1 hour prior to Mass on Friday. Burial following Mass will be at Sunset Cemetery at 2250 St. Anthony Blvd, Minneapolis. On Friday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m., join the family for a toast to Jim at the Lafayette Club, 2800 Northview Road, Minnetonka Beach. The family will be starting a foundation for research and treatment of skin cancers and diseases. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Foundation for Advanced Skin Therapeutics and write "For Jim" on the memo line, 6525 Barrie Rd, Edina, MN 55435. GILLBROTHERS.com MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612-861-6088