James W. "Jim" Mackey

James W. “Jim” Mackey, 93, Rockford, passed away Monday, January 11, 2016, in his home. He was born January 1, 1923, in Rockford, the son of Corbett and Gladys (Layng) Mackey. Jim was a proud Navy veteran of WWII serving in the South Pacific as a signalman with XAPTEAM25 providing support for many operations and invasions. He married Beverly “Bev” Miller in Rockford on November 6, 1948. Jim worked at Thrift-Remsen Printers for over 20 years and then was the plant manager at MC Chemical for many years retiring in 1990. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Jim was an avid fisherman and took his family up North each year, the last 43 at Thousand Island Lake in the U.P. of Michigan. He, his brother-in-law Dorian Fisher and son Bob made many fishing trips to Canada with the Kelley Williamson group. He was a member of the American Legion, Walter R. Craig Post #60, for 68 years and was a member of the Navy Club Ship #1 for 20 years. After retirement Jim was very active in the Y Men’s Retired Club. In his earlier years he was a member of the bowling, golf and fishing leagues, helped with the annual Christmas tree sales and breakfasts and enjoyed the many friendships he made there. His favorite pastime was scouting. He joined Troop 8 in 1935 and Sea Scout Ship Legionnaire #508 in 1941 where he served as Skipper for 26 years, helping boys transition into young men, and later as Executive Officer, for a total of 80 years in scouting. Jim was a kind and gentle man who loved spending time with his family.
Survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Bev; his sons, Rick (June) Mackey, Chuck (Tobi) Mackey, and his favorite daughter, Carol (Steve) Schultz; his daughters-in-law, Jan (Bob) Mackey and Karen (Dave) Mackey; his grandchildren, Tim Mackey (Lana), Christy (Chad) Evans, Brad (Jacque) Mackey, Greg (January) Mackey, Alana (Miguel) Hernandez, Randy (Megan) Schultz and Andrew (Lauren) Schultz; 7 great-grandchildren (one more on the way); many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by his parents, his sons, Dave and Bob Mackey and his brother, Glenn Mackey.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.