John S McGimsey

John S McGimsey

Our beloved John Scott McGimsey, 71, passed away at his home in Elko, Nev., on Sept. 9. Born Feb. 15, 1942 in Los Angeles, Calif. to Charles and Margaret McGimsey; John was the oldest of four boys. He is survived by his mother Margaret and his three brothers: William McGimsey, Jerry McGimsey, and Bruce McGimsey. John was preceded in death by his father Charles McGimsey.

The McGimsey family moved to Las Vegas in 1956. John graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1960. After serving in the National Guard, John attended and received a degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. He graduated from the University of Arizona Law School in 1971 and was admitted to the Nevada State Bar in 1971.

John was in the private practice of law in Las Vegas for approximately four years. In 1976 he was appointed Lincoln County District Attorney and moved to Pioche, Nev. where he served until 1982. In 1978 as Lincoln County District Attorney, John led an effort in which Lincoln County voted out its legal brothels in a special election by a 2-1 margin.

After serving as District Attorney in Lincoln County, John moved to Elko, NV in January 1983 where he took a position as an Assistant District Attorney. John was an outstanding prosecutor who was passionate in his service to the Elko community and garnered the respect of everyone in the legal profession.? John retired in October 2001 as the Chief Deputy District Attorney.

In retirement John pursued his lifelong enthusiasm for learning and travel. He made annual trips to Tepoztlan Mexico to attend Spanish language school, and eventually alternated living every six months between Elko and Tepoztlan. John love riding his bicycle, playing poker with friends, watching the Cleveland Indians, reading political blogs, and teasing his friends. John leaves behind numerous loving relatives and many, many dear friends in Elko, Tepoztlan and Las Vegas.

A Celebration of John?s Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Red Lion Hotel, Elko, Nev.