James L McKenzie

Maj. James L. McKENZIE,USAF (Ret) of Inverness, died March 16, 2014 at Citrus Memorial Hospital. Jim was born on May 18, 1932 in Worcester, MA to the late James R. and Winifred (Brown) McKenzie. Jim served our country in the United States Air Force, a career that spanned 20 years, retiring with the rank of Major. He served on many of the United States bases in Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois as well as Puerto Rico. After receiving his wings, he flew C-118 and C-130 aircraft. He was sent to Aircraft Maintenance Officers School and then served in Alaska, finishing his career in Vietnam. His civilian employment included quality control manager in a screw factory, maintenance director in a paper/carton plant, insurance salesman and AMF Bowling Center manager. He raised four children with his first wife, Lil: Jim, Scott, Lisa and Steve. One of his dear friends, Jay Hutchison and his wife Mozelle were neighbors in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. After Lil died in 1993, and Jay also died, Jim called Mozelle to express his condolences and through the magic of E-mail, Ma Bell and the USPS, became reacquainted and they married in July 2002 and have spent 12 wonderful years together. In Inverness, Jim was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. He served with the Stephen Ministry and in many outreach ministries such as the Salvation Army Bell Ringers. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Mozelle; sons James and his wife Marlene McKenzie, North Syracuse, NY and Scott and Steven McKenzie, both of Inverness; his daughter Lisa Brygger of RI; sisters Jean Bryan, Inverness and Carol and her husband Warren Johnson, FL and VA; four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Lefebvre. A worship service and celebration of life for Jim will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are being accepted by the First Presbyterian Church of Inverness.