James William McKinzie, Sr.

James William McKinzie Sr (99) of Black Creek, Ga, also known affectionally as “Tootsie”, was called to his eternal home during the early hours of November 5, 2026. He was born on September 8, 1927, on the McKinzie homestead in Emmanuel County, Georgia to James Edward and Anges Herrington McKinzie.

James was known by all as a compassionate and loving son, husband, father, brother, and friend. He was also known for his strong faith in his Father God and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In whatever he did, he always put God and Family before all else.

Being raised on a 60-acre farm during the Great Depression presented many challenges in and unto itself. Adding to this challenge was the fact that his father and mother were both hearing and speech impaired. Because of this, James and his siblings were tutored by their Grandparents (George and Mattie McKinzie) in both voice language and American Sign Language. Under the watchful eyes of his father and grandfather, James became a very skilled farmer, blacksmith, and carpenter.

James was also a decorated US Army veteran of both World War II and the Korean War with the 4th Infantry Division. Serving in both the active forces and the reserve forces from 1944 to 1960 he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before leaving the US Army completely. His active military service took him to places that few would wish to go to and seeing things no one should ever have to see or remember. From the battlefields of France and Germany; to the liberation of starving prisoners in a Nazi SS death camp; to months in a military medical rehabilitation center recovering from extreme cold weather exposure wounds; and on to the ravages of the early months of the Korean War. He never spoke of the bad things he experienced or bragged of his accomplishments. He would only speak of the ones he served with…especially those who did not return.

After completing his active-duty service with the US Army, James began his 40-year career with Union (Bag) Camp Paper Corporation achieving the position of Machine Superintendent. Retiring from Union Camp in 1990, he did not slow down. James had a servant’s heart and would always step in to help anyone in need; volunteering at his church for any job, great or small; or simply stopping what he was doing to pray with anyone he thought needed a boost up.

Using the skills he learned on the farm as a boy, James always planted an acre or three in vegetables for his family and friends. He made sure his children also gained the very skills he was taught as a child and young man. Working the land always brought him joy, especially when he could share what he had grown.

James is survived by his daughter, Lesile Carol McKinzie Maraquin (John); his son, James William McKinzie Jr (Terri); his step-daughter Sherry Bowen Miller (Gary); his step-daughter-in-law Harriett Bowen; his grandson, James Lewis Casper (Cyndi); his step-granddaughters Tracy Craddock and Emily Bowen; his great granddaughter Kyle Casper Dutli (Curt); his great-great grandson Crew Dutli; and his sister Betty McKinzie Greenlee.

James was also preceded in death by his first wife, Katie Madeline Goodson McKinzie; his second wife, Dorthy Mae Bowen McKinzie; his father and mother, James Edward McKinzie and Anges Herrington McKinzie; his stepdaughter Pam Bowen Harrison; his stepson, Roy Bowen; his brother George Washington McKinzie; and his sister Annie Jane McKinzie Hughes.

Arrangements are pending at this time.

We will all miss James’ physical presence in our day-to-day lives; but we shall also celebrate the beginning of his new life at the right hand our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With great anticipation, we too will be looking forward to the time we take the same journey.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - West Chatham Chapel - 901 Hwy 80 W., Pooler, GA  - 912-748-2444