Obituary of James S. MacKenzie

James "Jimmy" Stanley MacKenzie,70

James “Jimmy” Stanley MacKenzie,70, peacefully passed away February 14, 2020 at his home in West Orange surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen MacKenzie (nee McCormick), with whom he shared 27 years of marriage.  Born on July 1, 1949 and raised in Orange NJ. Jimmy graduated from Bloomfield Tech.  Early in life he owned his own delivery service.  Later he became a loyal member of IUOE Local 68, which lasted over 30 years.  This is where he entered into an apprenticeship obtaining multiple operating engineering licenses.  These accomplishments led to his careers at Merchant’s Refrigeration, First Union/Wachovia and Macy’s. He was a faithful member of the Giblin Association and the Brigantine Elks No. 2428.  While a long-time resident of West Orange, 17 years ago Jimmy and Katie acquired a second home in Brigantine Beach, NJ which brought them tremendous joy by creating special memories full of love and laughter with their family and friends. Jimmy will always be remembered for being a provider, mentor, jack-of –all-trades, reminiscer, grandchildren’s greatest fan, passionate golfer as a player and spectator, as well as, an avid Seton Hall supporter.  He was an adored father, husband, son, brother, grandfather and friend. He will always be in our hearts and greatly missed forever!

Jimmy is survived by his wife Kathleen, his daughter Kristine Ray and her husband Myron, his son James MacKenzie Jr. and his wife Heather, his siblings Judy Gildawie, Jack MacKenzie and Lynn O’Rourke, his grandchildren Alexander and Mackenzie Ray, Jimmy, Matty and Mikey MacKenzie. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews,his loving and supportive mother-in-law Pat McCormick, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.  He is predeceased by his parents Stanley (Mac) and Ruth MacKenzie, his sister, Joan Oberlin and her husband Arthur Oberlin, his father-in-law Thomas S. McCormick and nephew Michael T. McCormick Jr.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to visit The Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 3 to 8 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 21, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Church, 44 Benvenue Ave., West Orange, NJ at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jimmy’s name to: Seton Hall Prep, 120 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052.  https://www.shp.org/giving/make-a-gift