JAMES ALEXANDER MCKENZIE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JAMES ALEXANDER MCKENZIE August 5, 1920 - September 26, 2006 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James Alexander McKenzie. Jim became gravely ill three weeks ago following surgery at the Health Sciences Centre and passed away at 6:03 p.m. on September 26, 2006. He will be greatly missed by his wife Marge and his children, Robin (Earl), Laurie (Ray) and Tim (Ashlie). He also leaves his younger brother Jack; and grandchildren, Christopher, Leslie, Ashlie, Colin and Ian. Jim was predeceased by his parents John and Barbara McKenzie and his brother Harry and Harry's wife Marge. He also recently lost a great friend Norman Dalke, and sister-in-law Connie Allen. Jim celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife Margie October 29, 2005. Jim was born in Akron, Ohio shortly after his parents emigrated from Scotland (Aberdeen). From there they moved to Winnipeg where Jim spent his childhood years growing up in Elmwood. In 1940 Jim volunteered to join the Canadian Armed Forces. He served as a supply accountant until he was sent overseas in 1943 where he volunteered for the Signals corp. His main task was to send out false messages to the German Army. Jim also participated in the Battle of Normandy in 1944. Jim lived with a Dutch family for a short period following the war and never forgot their kindness. He returned to Holland in 1984 and reunited with their remaining family members. Following the war Jim returned home to his family in Winnipeg. He attended both the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. Jim started his career at the Manitoba Telephone System in 1949. He began in the shops department and worked his way up to Methods Analyst in the Marketing Department. In 1976, he was given a surprise retirement party at the Carlton Club, but was called back on contract almost straight away. Jim was involved with his breakfast club, and was treasurer for the 735 Legion where he attended nearly all of the meetings. Jim had many friends and it seemed that wherever he went he was always running into someone he knew. In 1953, Jim was introduced to his wife (Marjorie Eleanor Jackson) through his brother Jack. They married in 1955 and had three children, Robin, Laurie, and Tim. Jim always had time for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed going fishing with all of them and looked forward to the annual fishing weekend at Robin's house in Killarney. Jim's family had the luxury of spending every summer down at the lake. He would show up with boxes of food and goodies and stay the weekend before returning to work on Sunday evening. Jim was especially proud of his son Tim for following his dream in the music business and sticking to it even when times were tough. Jim enjoyed travelling. He travelled with Marge to Britain and the Barbados, and especially loved to travel by car. Twice he drove out - by himself - to visit Tim in Vancouver. He would always stop to see an old school friend or relative along the way, and never seemed to be bothered by time or distance. He loved to read for hours - mainly history books - and knew far more than many of his children's history teachers. He was a great tutor for them, as well as his grandchildren. He was always making homemade soups and would deliver his creations in jars to friends and neighbours. Jim is also known for his authentic Scottish scones as well as his famous mealy puddins ... Jim was a terrific husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. His ever-positive attitude and encouraging ways meant a lot to those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Jim's family would like to send out a special thanks to Leslie and Ray for their great support during the last few weeks in this most difficult time. A memorial reception will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home on Saturday, October 7, 2006 at 12:30 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2006