Larry "Bim" McGinnis

Larry "Bim" McGinnis, 75, of Thomson, Illinois, died Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, after a brief battle with cancer. As he wanted, his family was by his side.

Bim was born on February 16, 1951, to Paul “P.K.” and Corabelle (Hamm) McGinnis. He grew up learning good business practice and strong values at the McGinnis Melon Market and in their watermelon fields. From an early age, he understood the importance of hard work, keeping your word, and doing things the right way. He prided himself in “his word as his bond.” He attended Thomson schools and graduated with the Class of 1970.

On April 18, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Deborah Kay (Bush). Following their marriage, he worked for his father from 1970 to 1980 at the McGinnis Melon Market and farms. In the spring of 1980, he broke away and started his own wholesale business at 3681 Stagg Road, Thomson, IL, where he and Debbie worked side by side to build the life and legacy known today as Bim McGinnis Melons. He raised his two sons, Joe and Mark, alongside him in the fields, where they obtained his discipline, hard work, and dedication.

Bim was known for raising outstanding watermelon and pumpkin crops that will continue to be cherished by the Thomson community and business partners nationwide. On yearly trips to purchase produce, he developed deep and lasting relationships with the Amish communities of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. He will be remembered for his honesty, grit, and quiet generosity. Most memorable, perhaps, to those who knew him best and to our friends at Neumiller Farms, was his creative vocabulary and strong wit.

Bim built friendships and earned deep respect through a lifetime of showing up, pitching in, and standing by his word. Many will miss the sight of his truck as he checked the irrigation and crops, always and forever dedicated to the quality, as well as the quantity, of his produce. The legacy of Bim McGinnis Melons will continue on through his wife, Debbie; his son, Mark; and his grandson, Matthew. Even more enduring will be the reputation he earned and the memories he made.

Bim will be dearly missed by his wife, Debbie McGinnis; his sons, Joseph McGinnis and Mark (Jennifer) McGinnis; his four grandchildren, Matthew (Alyssa) McGinnis, Katie McGinnis, Haylee McGinnis, and Tyler McGinnis; his siblings, Jane Ann (Don) Groharing and Randy McGinnis; his brother-in-laws, Richard Bush, Doug (Nancy) Bush, Drew (Karmin) Bush; his sister-in-law, Diane (Wes) Temple; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; his right hand man, Donald (Blenda) Gallup; longtime employee and friend, Cathy (Marv) Green; friends; and business associates.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Corabelle McGinnis; his siblings, Paul McGinnis Jr., Donna French, and Cindy Schleuning; his mother-and father-in-law, Roland and Norma Bush; his brother-in-law, David L. Bush; his sister-in-law, Pamela Bush; and his nephew, Michael Bush.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the Majestic Pines Thomson Illinois, with a luncheon and celebration of life gathering from 2 - 6 p.m.