Dr. Joe McGinity was born April 19, 1918 in Humboldt KS.  He graduated from high school there in 1934 at the age of 16, later attending Iola Junior College and Kansas State University, playing football at both institutions. 

In 1940, Dr. McGinity joined the Kansas National Guard and completed Officers’ Candidate School.  He was assigned to the 209^th Artillery Battalion, ultimately attaining the rank of captain.  He saw action in France and Germany, receiving the Bronze Star.

During the war years, he married his childhood friend Margaret Louise Hixon.  They were married in Wichita where she worked for Lockheed Aircraft.  Like many people of this generation, Dr. McGinity learned of the birth of his first children, twin sons, while on his way to France.

Dr. McGinity returned to his KSU studies in late 1945, graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine there in 1949.  He practiced in Hutchinson and Independence KS for three years. 

The University of Missouri-College of Veterinary Medicine was young and struggling when it recruited Dr. McGinity to join the food animal program.  Intrigued with the prospect of helping to build a program, Dr. McGinity signed on in 1952.  During Dr. McGinity’s MU years, he and Margaret would have four more children.  While at MU he earned a Master’s, and collected distinguished teaching awards in 1970, 1974, 1978, and 1981.  He retired in 1983 as Professor Emeritus.

After his retirement, Dr. and Mrs. McGinity toured the country, visiting hundreds of former students and colleagues.