Rev. James D. MacKenzie

Rev. James MacKenzie, age 86, of Asheboro, NC, passed away at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro on May 18, 2011. Rev. MacKenzie was born November 17, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of James MacKenzie and Ida Conklin MacKenzie. He first distinguished himself in the service of his country during World War II, where he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the European Theatre of Operations Medal with three battle stars. After the war, Rev. MacKenzie studied for the ministry at Moody Bible Institute (Chicago, IL) and Union Presbyterian Seminary (Richmond, VA). During his career, Rev. MacKenzie served the Swann Quarter Presbyterian Church (Swann Quarter, NC), First Presbyterian Church of Edenton (Edenton, NC), Kirkwood Presbyterian Church (Kannapolis, NC), Olivia Presbyterian Church (Olivia, NC), Barbecue Presbyterian Church (Sanford, NC), Elise Presbyterian Church (Robbins, NC), and Horseshoe Presbyterian Church (Carthage, NC). He also taught an elective Bible class at North Moore High School in Robbins, NC, and authored weekly devotionals for the local newspaper. Following his retirement from ministry, Rev. MacKenzie attended Cross Road Baptist Church in Asheboro, NC. Even in retirement, Rev. MacKenzie found ways to continue his ministry by teaching devotionals at Cross Road Retirement Center (Asheboro, NC), delivering a thought of the day at Clapp's Nursing Home (Asheboro, NC), and always looking for an opportunity to show someone the path to heaven. On May 7, 1960, Rev. MacKenzie married Elsie Kerr, who joined him in ministry. Their love for one another was surpassed only by their love for their Lord and Savior. Rev. MacKenzie was a noted Celtic historian who played both the Scottish highland and Irish uilleann bagpipes. His research and writing focused on the history of the Scots in North Carolina. Rev. MacKenzie's research prompted the North Carolina Department of Archives and History to erect two historical markers on Highway 27 near Robbins. He authored the book, Colorful Heritage: an informal History of Barbecue Presbyterian Church and Bluff Presbyterian Church. Rev. MacKenzie is listed in the Dictionary of International Biography, published in England, and in Who's Who in the South and Southwest. Rev. MacKenzie was also a member of the Gaelic Society of Inverness. Left to cherish his memory are children Janet MacKenzie and husband Lee Limer, of Youngsville, NC; Kayly Nall and husband David, of Asheboro, NC; Christy Scheid and husband Jon, of Raleigh, NC; and Kenneth MacKenzie and wife Stacie, of Asheboro, NC. Rev. MacKenzie is also survived by grandchildren Jacob Nall of Asheboro, NC; Joshua Limer of Youngsville, NC; Cassidy Limer of Youngsville, NC; MacKenzie Scheid of Raleigh, NC; Andrew Nall of Asheboro, NC; Alex MacKenzie of Asheboro, NC; and Carolina MacKenzie of Asheboro, NC. Rev. MacKenzie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Elsie. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 22, at Cross Road Baptist Church (1556 Old Cox Road, Asheboro, NC). Burial will be at 5:00 p.m. at Olivia Presbyterian Church (3363 Olivia Road, Olivia, NC). The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 at Pugh Funeral Home (437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC) and other times at the home of Kenneth MacKenzie (2413 Hickory Forest Drive, Asheboro, NC). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Youth Missions, Cross Road Baptist Church, 1566 Old Cox Road, Asheboro, NC 27205 or any Christian organization of the donor's choice. With all of his interests, Rev. MacKenzie wanted it understood that he was first and foremost a Bible-believing Christian dedicated only to making the Gospel known and winning the lost to Jesus. The scripture by which he patterned his life was Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."