Rev. James McKenzie

Rev. James Patrick McKenzie, 72 of Bellevue entered within heaven’s gates on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at Select Fairhill in Cleveland.  He was born July 25, 1947 in The Bellevue Hospital, the son of C.E. “Bud” and V. Germaine (Welsch) McKenzie.  He married Mary Drown March 18, 1967 in Monroe, Michigan.

He was a retired Associate Member of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.  In 1994, he was ordained after completing the course of study program at Garrett Evangelical Theological College.

He worked at Whirlpool for 6 years and GTE for 16 years.  Prior to his ministry shared his leadership skills in the following areas:  4-H youth leader, coach of McClain’s little league team, Bellevue’s Santa Claus, and president of the Bellevue Music Boosters.

Then God called him into the ministry.  He served at Ohio River Charge-Sardis, Ohio; Chapel Hill Charge-Woodsfield, Ohio; Lorain Emmanuel/Faith UMC, Adena/Harrisville UMC, Grandview UMC-Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.  He had the privilege of performing over 150 weddings and numerous baptisms, including his own grandchildren.  He served as Spiritual Director on multiple Chrysalis Flights and Emmaus Walk retreats.  He excelled at portraying biblical characters and creatively interpreting God’s word for God’s people.  Jim’s laugh was contagious, his smile never ending, and he was in his glory watching his children and grandchildren perform, play and thrive.

He is survived by son Patrick, daughters Jackie (Mike) Becks, Victoria (David) Elswick; Grandchildren Kylin (Kourtney) Elswick, Aaron (Makayla) Becks, C.J. (Hayley) Elswick, Joshua Becks, Emily Becks, Daniel Becks, and Rachel Becks;  Great-Grandchildren Kadin and Knox Elswick.  One brother Lonnie (Jean) McKenzie, Beverly Hills, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his wife Mary, parents, 2 sisters and 1 brother.

**Update 9/9/2020** A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 1-5pm at Bierkeller Pub and Restaurant, 600 Southwest St, Bellevue, OH 44811. Masks are required for those that attend. 

**Update 9/21/2020** Due to the ongoing complications with Covid-19, the Memorial Service for Saturday, September  26, 2020 has been cancelled. A new time and date will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be made to The Bellevue Music Boosters, 125 North St., Bellevue, OH 44811.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.foosfuneral.com.

Foos and Foos Funeral Service 151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue is in care of arrangements.