Funeral services for James Scott McKenzie, 60, Lawrence, will be 9:30 am Thursday, at Mustard Seed Church. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS.
He died Sunday June 7, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family.
James was born November 26, 1954, in Ottawa, the son of Emory J. and Harma Lou Petersen McKenzie. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1972. James attended Gem City College in Quincy, Illinois, and completed courses in Jewelry, Jewelry Design and Hand Engraving. He worked for Tilden and Thurber in Providence, Rhode Island, as a hand engraver from 1973-1974. He moved back to Ottawa and worked at Suttons Jewelry four years. James was a police officer and firefighter in Ottawa for nine years. Then transferred to Lawrence Fire department from February 1988 to December of 2010, when he retired.
James was an avid runner and cyclist. He participated in 5K to ½ Marathons for 32 years. Many people know James for his years of riding his 1888 56’’ English Ordinary, or High Wheel Bicycle. He loved riding and restoring old bicycles. He was the national Commander of The Wheelman in 2007 and 2008. He traveled annually to the national meets, riding in 23 States and Ontario, Canada.
His other interests included many years of owning, restoring and driving English cars. He helped found the Lawrence All British Car Club in 1993. James was also a member of the Lawrence Region Antique Automobile Club Of America. He had many dear friends in both clubs.
James had strong faith, growing up attending church and then accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in August 1973. He is a member of Lawrence Wesleyan Church. He had tremendous support from his brothers and sisters in Christ as he fought cancer.
He loved to travel and had traveled to 48 states, also visited 11 countries, his favorites being England, Scotland and Denmark.
James married Diana Hamby in 1977. The marriage was blessed by three children. The marriage later ended.
James married Susan (Nee Traum) Mellon on April 9, 2006, she survives of the home. James and Susan enjoyed happiness together everyday of their 9 year marriage. They especially enjoyed travels to wheelmen meets, dining out and attending British and Antique car events. They shared the love of Sydney, their Papillion Frisbee playing dog, who preceded him in death on April 9.
Survivors include his wife Susan, children Scott McKenzie and Andrea Hall, Big Fork, MT, Amanda and Jerrod Miller, Overland Park, Erin and Matt Tyson, Lenexa, Spencer and Amanda Mellon, Poplar Grove, IL; grandchildren, J. Gage McKenzie, Camden and Ella Miller, Brooks, Cooper and Reid Tyson and Jordan Mellon; mother Harma McKenzie; sister Karen McAdoo-McKenzie; Nephews Kirk and Kevin McAdoo; mother and father in law Robert and Marge Traum; brother in law John and Laurie Traum, Winnebago, IL, and David Traum, Rockford, IL, nieces and nephews, Kyle, Eric, Ryan, Megan, Logan Traum.
He is preceded in death by his father Emory and grandparents.
Friends may call from noon to 9 pm Wednesday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, a visitation will be from 7-9 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund for Lawrence Wesleyan Church or Visiting Nurses, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Susan,
I was so sorry to hear from you today about James’ passing. While he may be in Heaven now, he lived every day of his life in Heaven while he held you in his arms.
You have my deepest sympathies. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.
With compassion,
John
Harma and Karen I am so sorry for the loss of your son and brother. Mom called me this evening and told me about James. Our prayers are with you. God bless and keep your family.
Dear Susan, linda and I were deeply sadden to hear James had passed. James was a great friend and neighbor in Ottawa. It was good to see James and meet you in Lawrence. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Susan – so glad I had the chance to meet your “charm” James at the last class reunion. It was obvious how happy you were. Let those memories carry you through the tough days.
Hugs and prayers across the miles.
Beth
Susan, Andy and I are so sorry to hear of your loss–we remember James from the reunion very well and had a good conversation, hoping to meet him with you again in the future. Our love goes out to you and all of the family. Ann xxoo
I feel like I always knew him with so much in common. So glad he got to drive his mini and had a smile for a while. May God bless his soul forever and yours too Susan.
Marty
Susan and family,
Susan and I wish we could be there. Please know that you and James have been and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I enjoyed rekindling my friendship with James the past few years. I will miss him.
We pray that God’s grace, peace and comfort will be with you Susan and family.
Dan and Susan Howell
Rhode Island
Dearest James, You have been a blessing to know. You will live forever in my heart and in my mind. Susan, thank you for sharing and may God bless you both.
Dear Family
Our sincere condolences to all
Thoughts and prayers coming your way today and always.
Jim will be missed..
Much love
The Pearsons
Susan, We were blessed to have James in our lives. Let us know if and when you need anything. Mike and I are here for you.
You will be missed, but we will meet again!
Susan and Family, June and I are so sorry for your loss. James was a special person, and will be missed by all his friends. We were lucky to have known him, and enriched by his friendship. We also will miss him, and think of him and you often. Bill
Susan, Malcolm and I send you our deepest condolences. James was one of those rare individuals who instantly connected with everyone he met. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts are breaking for you and your family. Sending you our love and our prayers.
Susan,
I knew James and you briefly and only occasionally for the last seven years, but my impressions of James are confirmed by these dedications by those who knew him so well.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family.
Dear Susan and family.
Just know how James touched so many hearts and minds with his unique dedication to life. I call him Sir James, as he was the one who seemed to know everything, “Give me a minute and I’ll figure it out” attitutude – no matter who you were.
James was his own “Cottage industry” of unique knowledge.
There will never be his equal. Love!
For Scott, Amanda, Erin, the grandbabes, Dianna, and for all of those lucky enough to know and love James: May God comfort you during this difficult time. It was a pleasure and honor to know James, Jim, Mack (as Paul pointed out!). Thank goodness your teaching job brought you to Lawrence and Jim worked at Kizer-Cummings and certainly made the finest pieces to leave the store. He taught me many things, including sample beers at Free State with lunch, made me laugh, helped me out so much when I needed help. My first and only ride on a BMW motorcycle up 9th Street was interesting! His pride for the McKenzie clan on your family tours with the itchy, traditional woolens could never be matched, and your trip to Scotland will not be forgotten. Blessings to you all, you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
I was just starting to get to know James and his wife. I joined the car club and they both welcomed me to there home like I knew them for years. I wish I could have spent more time with him. He was very willing to help others and very good natured. He will be missed
I knew James through his love for English cars, a true gentleman in every sense.
Will be missed.
Sincerely,
Steve & Karen Brown
To James’ family – so sorry – remember James as a friend of our son – his musical talent – a devoted son with a precious mother. Prayers go with your family.
James,
You were the most passionate, yet level-headed and overall kindest person I knew. I am glad to have met a person like you, but sad that you have past so suddenly. You have had a very positive impact in my life. All that you have done for me and countless other people, will not be forgotten. You will be dearly missed. May you rest in peace.
-Seth
Jim, James, or Mac, However you knew him, He was an inspiration, a source of interesting information, a helping hand,and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Jim’s family. Paul Reed
What an awesome friend our family had in Jim we know we will see him again We are so thankful for the blessings he fought to our lives and family May God be with his family as they walk this path love and thoughts to all…
Susan, I’m so sorry. You are in my prayers. Call me if you want to talk. Debbie
I am so sorry. James was such a wonderful friend and so funny throughout our high school years. May your memories of him forever bring you peace.
Susan, So sorry for your loss. James was wonderful man, full of knowledge. He will be remembered and missed by all that knew him!
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. He may be gone from this physical earth but he will remain in your hearts forever. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan and family – We are so sad to lose such a special man. You are in our thoughts and our prayers. May the Lord continue to pour out His strength, comfort and peace.
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking and praying for all of you. May your special memories comfort you. His physical presence may be gone from this earth but he will remain with you in spirit forever.
Deepest sympathies. May God lift you up and comfort you.
Your high wheel broke, but you didn’t. Your body broke, but you didn’t.
Honored to know you,if even for such s short time!
So sorry to hear the sad news. Sending love and prayers for the whole family.
Erin, Amanda and Scott,
We are so very sorry. Our hearts go out to you.
Keeping you in prayer,
Jim and Alison Nye
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Peace and Love – Ed and Kelli
i am sorry that your dad has passed away, Amanda and Erin. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to you Amanda and your family. I will keep you in my prayers and trust that the Lord comfort you as only He can. So thankful to know that your father knew the Lord Jesus Christ and we will meet again one day.
Dear Amanda and family, please accept our deepest condolences. May you find comfort in friendship, hope in prayer, and peace in love. With deepest sympathy.
Susan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! We are so sorry about James’ passing. If there is anything we can do for you, don’t hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Sharen @ Chuck
Erin, Amanda and Scott – Thinking about you all and holding you close in our hearts and prayers. Marsha, Dick, Jane and Ryan Morrissey
So sorry for your loss Amanda. He sounds like a very interesting man with lots of fun interests. I am sorry he had to go way too soon!!I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you all!
We are very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family. Jack and Jo Bogard
I will miss you everyday. I love you, dad.