James E. Mckenzie

July 21, 1945 ~ December 6, 2022

James Edward McKenzie affectionately known as (Jimmy) to family and friends, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY. Jimmy lived in Albany, NY for his entire life for 77 years. He was known for his generosity, his loving kindness, devotion and dedication to his family and friends.

Jimmy was a Colonie Mason for the Local Laborers Union 190 for over 15 years. He was also the owner of McKenzie Drywall Family Business for 15 years. During which time, Jimmy was also employed by the Albany City School District for 15 years as the lead carpenter until his retirement.

Over the years, Jimmy formed many, many good friendships and is well known, loved and deeply respected in the community and the workforce. Jimmy was full of life and definitely a man of style and of good taste (one may say "GQ"). He loved old school music, jazz and he definitely loved to dance. He loved going on vacations (especially cruises), playing cards (especially Bid Whist). One thing for sure he was known and love for his mastery skill of construction. He could create and build anything without an instruction guide.

Jimmy was an elder of the North Albany Congregation at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses. He was devoted and dedicated to his God Jehovah for over 50 years and would preach to everyone one he met. He was loved and respected by everyone that he knew and there was not a life in the Christian Congregation that he didn't touch. He always, went beyond the call of duty to help everyone.

James E. McKenzie is survived by his wife of 56 years today, Betty McKenzie, a retired state worker. He leaves to cherish his memories five adult children: Robert (Kelly) Dobbs, Markus (Amanda) McKenzie, Shunn McKenzie, Maurice (Alecia) McKenzie, and Mia (Alberto) Puertas. He was the grandfather of: Rashadin McKenzie, Jada Puertas, Tahrik McKenzie, Shane McKenzie, Latoya Dobbs, Robert Dobbs, Jr., Patrick Dobbs, and 8 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

James E. McKenzie was the son of Lee B. McKenzie and Bessie Hatti (Davis) McKenzie. He is also survived by one brother, Robert Lee McKenzie (Betty McKenzie) of Bronx, NY; one sister, Daisie Dobbs (and the late Willie Dobbs) of Albany, NY, two sister-in laws Addie Oliver of Albany, NY, Shirley Blanchard of Schenectady, NY, two brother-in laws Cedric Laws of Albany, NY and Mustafaa Sidest Mahadi of Brooklyn, New York and a host of numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special cousins: Pauline Lewis, Mattie Lee White and Haywood Davis. James E. McKenzie was also a special friend to Ernest (Kimberly) Waugh, Leslie McIntosh, John (Della) Blair, Haywood (Jackie) Robinson, Mark (Debbie) McLaughlin, Stan (Sheila) Wellman, Dennis (Susan) Colavito and Douglas (Bonnie) Ivey.

He was pre-deceased in death by his parents Lee B. McKenzie and Bessie H McKenzie, his brother John Blanchard, his sister Hatti B. Johnson (William Earl Johnson) and his granddaughter Latisha Dobbs.

To know Jimmy was to love him and everyone was a friend was a friend to him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Saturday December 17, 2022 from 12:00 Noon to 2 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. All are invited to a Celebration of his Life following at 2:00 p.m..

An additional memorial talk will be held on Saturday December 31, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Albany Kingdom of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 400 Albany-Shaker Rd., Albany.