ASHTABULA — James “Jim” Carlton Mackey Sr., age 85, of Ashtabula, Ohio, passed away Monday evening, Dec. 24, 2012, with family by his side.
Mr. Mackey was born April 27, 1927, in Ashtabula, the son of George and Winifred (Faust) Mackey. He was a life-long resident of Ashtabula County and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, including time on the USS Samuel S. Miles from 1945-1946. He was a member of Post 943 VFW of Ashtabula for many years.
Jim worked for the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company in Ashtabula for 38 years before retiring. His career of public service continued after the Navy in the role of Democratic Chairman of Monroe Township for 30 years.
Jim was known for his quick wit and unique sense of humor that would cast a smile on anyone he encountered. He loved sharing stories about working on the Great Lakes as a youth and about the time he took first place in all 6 events he entered at the Ashtabula YMCA track contest one summer.
With a life-long passion for flying, Jim received his private pilot license in 1950 and was a long standing member of the RAMS – Radio Control Airplanes Club of Monroe Township. Jim enjoyed many years building and flying model airplanes with his fellow RAM’s enthusiasts. Jim was also an artist who loved bringing an empty canvas to life. In addition to creating watercolor and oil paintings he was an avid woodworker.
Another passion of Jim’s was motorcycle riding. He spent many years traveling from coast to coast across the U.S. and Canada on his colorful and fully loaded motorcycles. When he wasn’t flying one of his planes or riding his motorcycle, Jim could be found playing any number of video games. He was also an avid Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns and Ohio State football fan and enjoyed attending and watching their games to cheer them on.
Above all else, he was devoted to his wife and family and cherished the time spent with them most.
Survivors include his wife of over 27 years, Wanda (Britton) Mackey; children, James (Lori) Mackey of North Kingsville, Ohio, Christine (Jim) DuFour of Palm Dale, Calif., John (Debi) Mackey of Madison, Ohio, Lori Taylor of Cape Coral, Fla., Nancy (Bryan) Kuns of Castalia, Ohio, Cindy Nappi of Cleveland, Ohio and Sam (Traci) Nappi of Richland, Wash.; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harland W. and Paul P. Mackey; sister, Elsie Brown of Rockport, Ill.; great-grandson, Gary Annick III; and a prior wife, Geraldine.
A Celebration of his Life will be held 12 Noon, Friday, Dec. 28th, at the Ashtabula Home of FLEMING & BILLMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 526 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula. Final resting place will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, North Kingsville, Ohio, with American Legion Dewey Howlett Post #103 conducting Military Rites.
Calling Hours will be held from 10:30 a.m. until time of Service at Noon, Friday, at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the Ashtabula Salvation Army or the Ashtabula Veterans Association in care of VFW Post #943. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Guest book and obituary at fleming-billman.com and starbeacon.com.
