James A. McKenzie, 85 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, MI, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 7:11 AM in Mercy Memorial Hospital.
Born October 4, 1927 in Monroe, MI, Jim was the son of the late Raymond W. and Irene (Haddock) McKenzie. Jim attended Monroe Public Schools.
Jim served his country honorably and proudly during WWII in the Army Air Corps, spending most of his enlistment in Japan.
On September 15, 1951 Jim married his beloved wife Clarice Lucille Parker in Monroe.
Jim was employed as a press operator for Midway Products in Monroe for 26 years. He retired in 1989.
A member of Faith Baptist Church, Jim enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and mushroom hunting. Most of all Jim enjoyed his family, especially on Sunday's where they would all gather at the family home and spend time together.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years: Clarice Lucille, seven loving children: Barbara J. (Michael) Lesher of Monroe, MI, Donald L. (Marjorie) Parker of Cumming, GA, James V. (Gail) Parker of Dundee, MI, Raymond W. McKenzie of Frankfort, KY, Michael A. (Carol) McKenzie of Maybee, MI, Robert T. (Marion) McKenzie of Temperance, MI, and Charles W. (Sophie) McKenzie of Monroe, MI, 23 cherished grandchildren, 46 treasured great grandchildren and 5 adored great great grandchildren, and five sisters.
In addition to his parents Jim was preceded in death by two sons: Dennis and Bill McKenzie and a daughter: Virginia Redd.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-9 PM and Friday, March 8, 2013 from 12 noon until funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe. The Rev. Larry Lyons, Chaplain at Mercy Memorial Hospital, will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.