On January 13, 2024, at approximately 2:26 a.m., officers from the Freeport Police Department responded to a residence in the 1100 block of South Oak Avenue following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found 41-year-old Javarski Lamar McGee, affectionately known as "Varski," suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to FHN Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities believe the incident stemmed from a dispute between McGee and several other men inside the home. The shooting is considered an isolated event and is not believed to be gang-related. The Freeport Police Department continues to investigate and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Born on January 28, 1982, in Freeport, Illinois, to Patricia McGee and David Ishmon, Javarski attended schools within the Freeport School District. He was an avid sports enthusiast, passionately supporting the Miami Dolphins and the San Antonio Spurs. Beyond his love for sports, he cherished moments spent with family and friends, especially his son, Aveon Curry. Known for his bright smile and infectious sense of humor, Javarski had a unique ability to light up any room and bring joy to those around him. He enjoyed playing cards and visiting casinos, activities he often shared with loved ones.
Javarski is survived by his son, Aveon Curry; his parents, Patricia McGee and David Ishmon; six brothers: Darius (Chavez) McGee, Damon Shipp Jr., Querell Shipp, Steve Shipp, Deilo Ishmon, and Darren Miller; five sisters: Ashley Watts of Texas, Whitney Watts of Las Vegas, NV, Tanice Ishmon, Marquia Wittfield, and Alicia Shipp; and a stepdaughter, Janelle Winston. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will deeply miss him. Special cousins include Mario Robinson, Dwayne Ishmon, and Ransy Edison, along with close friends T.J. Bland, Derek Cain, Devin Gossett, Brandon Shorter, Eric Fields, Adam Strohecker, Anthony Smith, and Demetrius Price. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ebony Watts; grandparents Annie Mae and James Ishmon Sr., and Obadiah McGee Sr.; great-grandparents Doyle and Ida Lee Prince; aunts Ida Mae West Prince, Betty Ishmon, and Gunetta Ishmon; and uncles Obadiah McGee Jr., Johnny Morris Jr., Carl Ishmon, Curtis Ishmon, Walter West, and Junior West.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 27, at Faith For Miracle Deliverance & Worship Center in Freeport, with visitation preceding the service. He was laid to rest at Freeport City Cemetery. The community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved father, son, brother, and friend, remembering Javarski for his kindness, humility, and the joy he brought into their lives.
