Jim Mackey passed away on March 9, 2024, the same way he lived his life: peacefully, with dignity and grace. He was 97 and active almost until his final days. Jim was born and raised in Dallas, and he embodied the genetic traits of a true Texan, namely a steel-trap handshake, sure feet on the square-dance floor, and a soft spot for the Dallas Cowboys. In spite of the latter, Jim was universally loved. In fact, if anyone ever had a problem with Jim Mackey, it would have been the poor sap who also had his eye on Rhoda Louise Uhlendorf in Big D back in the early fifties.
Mom and dad married in Dallas on March 5, 1955. They met, as both often described it, during lunch breaks outside their shared office building, when one’s eye caught the other’s. Which of them flinched first is still up for debate. Rhoda passed in 2011, and dad, dependably all-in on promises made, wore his wedding band until the end. And while dad missed his opportunity to reunite with mom on their anniversary by just a few days, we trust that he has now swept her off her feet for the second time.
Jim was born to Jessie and James Walter Mackey, Sr. in 1926. Scottish blood all the way back. He was also predeceased by step-brother William Shannon. In spite of growing up a Depression-era kid, dad never talked about the hard times. His favorite memories included ice cream cones from the ice store around the corner, baseball in the street with his neighborhood friends, and especially when the dads came home, loosened their ties, and joined the game. The day after his 18th birthday, in December 1944, Jim joined other local boys on the train bound for San Diego and the U.S. Navy. It was there that one of his closely held secrets fell out – he was a painfully slow eater. This led to one of his all-time favorite story-ending lines, delivered by another enlistee: “Come on, Chief, they’re gonna be serving again for dinner!” The war ended several months after his enlistment
so dad never saw any action. Though when he ended his tour with a little time in the Bay area in ‘46, he described the San Francisco weather as brutal. That, and time served, was enough to earn dad the GI Bill, which he used to graduate from SMU in 1950.
Scott was born in 1957, Leslie came along in 1959. In early 1963, Jim was transferred from his beloved hometown by his employer, Lumbermens Mutual Insurance – the company he worked for until his retirement, almost 30 years. So he and Rhoda packed up the children and moved to Mansfield, Ohio. In January. But true to his always-positive spirit, he and mom built a full life and another bevy of Jim Mackey admirers there.
He helped coach Scott’s baseball teams, he kept score at Leslie’s diving meets. He rarely missed a game or event. And he taught us far more by example than by words. He played on the LMI softball team, later coaching the Women’s team for years and winning at least one championship. He bowled. He gardened. He supported. He charmed. He loved his dogs and cats. And he made people laugh. Boy, did he make people laugh.
In 2002,Jim and Rhoda moved to Suffolk Va; Jim moved to Norfolk, closer to Scott and Cindy, in 2012.
Left to cherish the memories of Jim Mackey are son Scott and adored daughter-in-law Cindy, Norfolk VA; daughter Leslie, Mt. Juliet TN; grandchildren Christopher (Beth), Stephanie (Vince), Lexis (Austin), and Austen, as well as five great-grandchildren who will eventually learn about their amazing and irreplaceable Papa.
Jim Mackey was, by account of just about anyone who ever knew him, the kindest and most gracious man you’d ever meet. He made people feel welcome, important and worthy of a good talk. In his last years, Jim struggled with his memory. But the important things, he never forgot: honesty, decency, generosity and humility.
The family would like to acknowledge the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living at the Ballentine in Norfolk for the compassionate and loving care they gave to our dad in his final weeks; to the Beech Grove United Methodist Church community for their unending displays of love and friendship; and to our many friends who adored
dad and treated him as one of the gang.
There will be a service for Jim at Beech Grove United Methodist Church, 4251 Driver Lane, Suffolk, on Saturday, March 23 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or charity of your choice. Beyond that, just be kind to someone today.