On March 11, 2025, my father, James L. McGuffey passed from this life. The greatest thing I can say about him is that he was a Christian. He will be missed. While trying to make sense of his business (even though his son is an Elder Law Attorney, he left a mess), I found a signed version of this:

What does it mean to be a Dad?

First of all, to be a dad, it means that you have children, preferably by your wife, by your wife means that you are married. That sounds like a simple statement, but unfortunately, there are so many people in the present culture that do not believe marriage is necessary for having a child.

To be a Dad is a very important moment in a person’s life, especially when you see the child for the first time. I like the expression “A Proud Papa”, is the best way to describe the feeling at first sight. Also it is what is called, “Love at first sight”. (You also have to remember that just like puppies grow up, so does the child.)

A new baby in the family brings many changes in the life of a Dad. First is the realization that here is a person that is totally dependent on you for everything. The child has, by being born into this world, placed their life in your hands. Without you, they do not eat and grow or learn to become independent. To help the child grow and learn costs a lot of time and money. This responsibility will suggest that a Dad needs to work and bring home the bacon, so to speak. It is a motivation to do the best you can with whatever you have and do.

Another responsibility of a Dad is to teach the child to obey and respect the Dad, Mom, and others. To respect and recognize authority. Without this there is rebellion in the child that will hurt the child in the future years of their life.

A very important part of a Dads responsibility is to introduce to the child, the highest authority in the world, that is God. God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This is in fact the most important part of a child’s learning. This has to do with life after death, eternal destiny. It is one thing to go through this life, but it is a tragedy to go through this life and not be prepared for eternity. One thing is sure; we are all born to die. While we are living this life, God gives us the opportunity to know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. The most important thing in this life is not success in business, getting rich, or having an abundance of possessions, but the most important thing in this life is asking Christ to come into your heart, forgive your sins, and be your Savior. If a Dad does not teach this, he has failed as a Dad. I pray that I have not failed to do this with my children, whom I love very much.

Dad

March 13, 2012
James LeBron McGuffey, (a Dad that is thankful that God placed two fine boys into my care)