Hon. James Mackie – Obituary

Honorable James B. Mackie, J.D., 84, of Alma passed away Thurs., Nov. 17, 2022, at McLaren Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City.
[private] He was born July 1, 1938, in Edmore the son of Edward and Sara Mae (Haley) Mackie. He proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1967. He married Ruth Ann Perkins on April 3, 1963, in Edmore, a blessed union of 59 years.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University in 1962 and his Juris Doctorate Degree from the Detroit College of Law in 1970. He worked as a prosecutor in Gratiot County, later became a private practice attorney in Alma, and then a judge in the 65th District Court from 1986 until his retirement in 2009.
He was a member of the Alma Elks Lodge #1400, the Alma VFW, and the Breckenridge American Legion. He was also a longtime member of, and active in, the Alma United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, particularly at the Grass Lake Hunting & Fishing Club near Hawkins, Michigan, and in and around Gratiot and Montcalm Counties. He was an avid sports fan, attending many Lansing Lugnuts baseball games as a season ticket holder. He enjoyed skiing, golfing, and world travel (including the former Soviet Union and India).
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Mackie of Alma; a daughter, Sara Ann Mackie of Alma; a son, Eric Mackie of Ann Arbor, married to Mariko Chiba Mackie; and two grandchildren, Eric “Kai” and Leah Mackie both of Ann Arbor.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be held on Thurs., Dec. 1, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Alma United Methodist Church with Pastor Lori Sykes officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Interment will be held at a later date in Hillcrest Cemetery, Six Lakes.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jim’s memory are requested to contribute to the Alma United Methodist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma.
To view Jim’s obituary or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com. [private]