James Ross McGinnis ’49

Ross, a longtime resident of Fawn Grove, Pa., died Jan. 3, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 97. He was raised on a farm and attended the then-York Junior College for one year prior to transferring to Princeton, where he graduated summa cum laude in history and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. At Princeton, he was a member of Court Club and Whig-Clio, was in the band and glee club, and rowed 150-pound crew.  

After earning a law degree at Harvard, Ross served in the Air Force for two years, where he completed active duty as a first lieutenant, and was subsequently promoted to captain in the reserves. In 1954, he joined the law firm Stock and Leader in York, Pa., and practiced there for 67 years, becoming the senior partner and holding the distinction of being the oldest practicing attorney in York County. Ross once observed that “retirement is something you only do as a last resort.” 

With his wife, Ross shared an interest in antiques and antiquarian book collecting, and international travel. He belonged to many civic and fraternal organizations and held leadership roles at Centre Presbyterian Church in New Park, Pa., where he was a lifetime member. 

Ross is survived by his wife of more than 69 years, Norma; his sons, Jay and Doug; three grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.