Stephen Howard McGinnis, 55, of North Ferrisburg, Vt., formerly of St. Johnsbury, Vt., passed away on Sept. 1, 2014, with his family and close friends by his side after a short courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born on March 26, 1959, at the Womack Army Hospital in Fayetteville, N.C., to Richard and Beulah (Darrell) McGinnis of St. Johnsbury, Vt. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he was active in Sunday school and youth group. He attended St. Johnsbury schools and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1977, being active in football and band. He played taps for the American Legion and VFW on Memorial Day. He loved going to his class reunion. Steve attended Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., graduating with honors with a degree in electronic technology. He was employed at St. Johnsbury Community TV in St. Johnsbury, Vt. and Simonds Precision, Bio Tech and recently for Goodrich VTC all in Vergennes, Vt., as an electronic technician. He met the love of his life, got married and they have been together for 25 years. Steve is survived by his parents, Richard and Beulah McGinnis of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; his wife Kathy (Brace); his sister Linda (McGinnis) Ron Stellpflue of California; his brothers Michael (Tabetha) of Colorado and Gary (Heather) of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; his son Michael (Jessica) James of Ferrisburg, Vt.; and his two grandchildren Sophia and Skyler James who were the loves of his life; his in laws, Lester and Myona Brace of Vergennes, Vt.; his brothers-in-law, Terry (Steph), Kelly (Amy) and Steve Brace; several loving and special nephews, a niece, aunts, uncles and cousins; and his best buddies Jake the dog and Ollie the camel. He was an avid fisherman on Lake Champlain and hunter. He loved the outdoors and being with friends. He was a long time member of the Caledonia Forest and Stream Club and a long time member of the Vergennes Eagle Club where he tended bar for years. Special thank you to Doug Richardson of Vergennes and to his Health Hospice workers, Tim and Ann. Calling hours will be held Friday, Sept. 5, from 4-7 p.m. at Brown and McClay Funeral Home at 488 S. Maple St., Vergennes, Vt. Reception to follow at the American Legion. At Steve's request, burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations can be made to: Hospice-Addison Home Health, Route 7, No. Middlebury, VT 05753 or Home Bound, 236 Boardman Road, Middlebury, VT 05753.