Col. James S. MacKenzie Jr., USAF, Retired.

1932 – 2023

James "Jim" MacKenzie passed away peacefully on June 12, 2023, at the age of 91. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Jim was born on February 13, 1932, in Boston, MA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Kathleen "Kitty" MacKenzie; father, James MacKenzie; mother, Helen Ryan; and brother, Robert MacKenzie. He is survived by his sister Janet Shinskie; two children, Bruce MacKenzie and Alisa Fording; three grandchildren, Shawnte Upequi, Brittany Brown, and Ryan Holguin; and six great-grandchildren. Jim attended the University of Maryland to obtain his undergraduate degree and the University of Washington for his Master's. While he attended the University of Maryland, he met his lovely wife, Kitty.

Jim served in the United States Air Force for 28 years as a Civil Engineer. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served honorably in the Air Force, achieving the rank of Colonel. Jim's experience in the Air Force played a significant role in his life. After his military service, he and his wife settled in Santa Ana, CA, and he worked for Northrop Grumman until he retired in 1995. In 2000, Jim and his wife moved to Lompoc, CA, where he served his community admirably. He was involved with his Church, Valley of the Flowers UCC, and served several terms on the city's Water Board.

Jim loved to read and was an avid skier. He served as a national Ski Patrolman and skied until he was 80 years young. He and his wife loved to travel and took their RV across the United States. They traveled the world, visiting all 50 states and every continent except Antarctica.

The family wishes to thank the VNA Health Live Well Hospice staff for the compassion, care, and support they provided in the final days of his life. Donations may be made in his memory to the Valley of the Flowers UCC in lieu of flowers. He was a beloved husband and father with a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and adoring family.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at the Valley of the Flowers United Church of Christ, 3346 Constellation Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436.