James Roy McKay - Pop

My hero wasn't rich. My hero wasn't famous. My hero didn't even have access to Internet or TV as a kid. My hero's name is James Roy McKay, otherwise known to my family and I as Pop, my great grandfather. Pop was a great man, and he was never thinking of himself. He was many things: a great veteran, a simple postman, a devoted father, and an all-around great guy. To my brothers, Pop was a great-grandfather they never got to meet. To me, Pop is a hero.

This is my hero with a cow on his ranch. (My great grandmother took this picture. (My great grandmother.))

My great-grandfather served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and in the Pacific Theater war, where he fought against Japan in Africa. He went into the army because it was World War II and people needed more troops, so he enlisted in the navy. He saw horrific things, and still managed to lead an amazing life with kids and a beautiful wife. Pop didn't fight with guns or tanks. He fought his enemies like a man, with his own two hands. Yes, he boxed for the navy. I know what you're thinking, "I didn't know that the navy had boxers!" I know, right?! So cool! But, not only was Pop a boxer for the navy, but he was also their best cook! My dad and my grandfather said he made the best biscuit on earth. If only I could taste it...

My hero was a great veteran. He was also a great father and a great grandfather. My dad tells me stories of how selfless he was and of what he would do for him and his brother, Heath. To my dad and my uncle, Pop was like superman; a hero in all possible ways. My grandfather told me a story of his kindness and here it is. When my great-grandfather was only 14, his mother had passed, and his father was taking care of him. One day, his father packed his bags and vanished, leaving Pop to take care of his younger brother and younger sister. He never saw his father again until he was in his 70's. His father was very, very sick. Pop had many reasons not to go and visit him on his deathbed, but my great-grandfather went anyway. He even ensured that he had a proper burial. What a forgiving man!

Pop, when he was younger, also was a cattle rancher with his own ranch called Rambling Hills. He was very, very devoted to his ranch. He had countless cows, horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, and cats. For awhile, he operated that cattle ranch all by himself until he met my great-grandmother, the love of his life. They lived there, took care of all the animals, and were doing very well until they had to sell Rambling Hills to start a family with his beloved wife. After they sold it, they bought a much smaller farm with just the right amount of room to start a family. They gave birth to my grandfather, and he was raised to be kind, sweet, and loving just like his father.

Unfortunately, James Roy McKay passed away in November of 1996, just after my parents got married. He was, in my opinion, one of the best men to ever walk this earth, and will be forever. I wish with all my heart that I could meet him, and so do my brothers and cousins, but this can't happen no matter how hard we wish upon every star. He was a devoted father. He was a devoted grandfather. He was a devoted cattle rancher. He was a devoted American. I wish I could have known this man, and, in some ways, I do.