Max Daniel McGinn, affectionately known as Dan McGinn, a distinguished attorney and pillar of the Greensboro community, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at Well-Spring Retirement Community at the age of 82.
McGinn is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Judy McGinn, and his children: son Brian McGinn and daughter-in-law Angela McGinn; daughter Tracie Jurgensen and son-in-law Erik Jurgensen.
Judy first crossed paths with Dan McGinn during his time at Wake Forest University. The couple later walked down the aisle on June 3, 1965, and had been married for almost 60 years until McGinn took his last breath.
She took a job teaching while Dan McGinn attended Wake Forest University School of Law on academic scholarship.
He also left behind his sister, Linda Lancaster (Everette) of Garner, NC, and four grandchildren, Audrey McGinn, Max McGinn, Lucy Jurgensen, and Lola Jurgensen.
Dan cherished time with his family, his dogs Murphy and Bandit, and his beloved LA Dodgers. He also found joy in country music, dark chocolate, and cheering for Wake Forest.
Dan and Judy first had their son, Brian McGinn, in 1968. Brian is now married to Angela and has two kids, Audrey McGinn and Max McGinn.
Their daughter, Tracie, was born after the couple moved to Greensboro after Dan completed his army service. Tracie is now married to Erik Jurgensen, and they have two daughters: Lucy and Lola Jurgensen.
Max Daniel McGinn Had an Impressive Legal Career That Spanned Five Decades!
Born on July 30, 1942, in Lexington, NC, to Max Terry McGinn and Ethel Peck McGinn, Dan was a natural leader from an early age.
At Lexington High School, he served as senior class president and excelled as a three-sport athlete. He starred as the starting point guard in the LHS basketball team, quarterback in football, and ace pitcher in baseball.
Following high school, Dan McGinn’s talent earned him an academic scholarship to Wake Forest University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
Dan continued his academic excellence at Wake Forest University School of Law, graduating second in his class and serving as Associate Editor of the Law Review.
His legal career began at the National Labor Relations Board in Winston-Salem before he served in the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps in Pensacola, FL.
After his service ended, Dan and his family settled in Greensboro, where he joined the Brooks Pierce law firm and embarked on a remarkable 50-year career.
Mentored by Thornton Brooks, Dan became one of North Carolina’s preeminent labor and employment attorneys.
He represented clients in over 100 federal lawsuits, argued a dozen cases before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Aside from his work as a lawyer, Dan was very active in his community. He was part of First Presbyterian Church and the Greensboro Country Club.
For over ten years, he provided legal advice to the United Way of Greensboro and served on its executive committee.
Dan’s passion for Wake Forest University was unwavering; he had season tickets for football and basketball games for nearly 50 years.
He also supported the university by being a Deacon Club member and serving on the Law School’s Board of Visitors.
Reportedly, Dan’s life will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Well-Spring Retirement Community in the Special Occasions Room.
During this difficult time, we offer our condolences to McGinn’s wife, kids, and extended family members.
