It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jeramiah “Jerry” Josephe McGaughey, 86, a respected member of the Vincennes community. Jerry was born in Vincennes, IN during a severe blizzard on December 8, 1937, to Robert and Vera (Leinbach) McGaughey and he passed away on April 13, 2024. He married Barbara O’Neill in 1978 and she survives.
Jerry graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1955 and Vincennes University in 1957 where he was President of the student body. He then completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University where he earned a B.S, in business in 1959 before attending law school. Jerry graduated from Indiana University School of Law in 1962 and was admitted to the bar later that year.
Jerry spent much of his early law career in Petersburg, IN and was elected Pike County Prosecutor in 1970, a position he held for twelve years before returning to Vincennes in 1983. Jerry was then elected Knox County Prosecutor in 1986, a position he held through 1990. From 1991 to 2016, Jerry worked first in the legal department of Golden Rule Insurance then in private practice focusing primarily on Criminal defense. In addition to law Jerry also taught several years in the business division of Vincennes University and as an Adjunct professor at Oakland City University.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jerry found joy in exploring his family history, collecting antiques, and traveling to the Gulf Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. He also dedicated his time to several civic organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus where he was a 4th degree Knight and the Sons of the American Revolution. His unwavering commitment to his faith was evident through his membership at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Jerry is survived by his beloved spouse, Barbara McGaughey of Vincennes; son, Scott McGaughey of Vincennes; sister-in-law’s, Patty Niehaus, Betty DePalma and her husband Al, Kay Hefferman; and several nieces and nephews. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Vera McGaughey, sister, Gwendolyn (Gweney) Kiefer, sister-in-law Peggy Hebert and his brother-in-law’s, Bernie Niehaus and Dick Hefferman.
Friends may visit with Jerry’s family from 3:00 until 5:00 pm on Sunday, April, 21, 2024 at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 524 Broadway, Vincennes, IN 47591. A rosary service will begin at 5:00 pm on Sunday at the conclusion of visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 22, 2024 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1837 S. Hart Street Road, Vincennes, IN 47591. Rev. Tony Ernst will celebrate and Jerry will be laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The McGaughey family has requested memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Online memories may be shared with Jerry’s family and friends at www.goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Jerry and his family.
