James Robert “Jim” MacKimmie
May 20th, 1928 - November 5th, 2023
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Jim's Obituary
James “Jim” Robert MacKimmie, 95, of St. Joseph, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman. He was born May 20, 1928 in South Haven, MI to Carl and Beulah (Dawson) McKimmie.
The family will receive guests from 12pm until time of celebration of life service at 1pm, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Inurnment will take place privately at a later date at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be given to First United Methodist Church, 2950 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph or Sarett Nature Center, https://sarett.org/. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jim’s early life began in South Haven, where his family owned and operated McKimmies MensWear for many years. As a young man, Jim showed his true commitment and work ethic by obtaining the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. Prior to his marriage to Mona Kirchner, Jim went to court to have the “A” put back in his ancestral name to the original MacKimmie name that his grandfather had inadvertently “changed” during his early education, as it was too long to fit on his school slate. So, on April 12, 1958, in South Haven, MI, Jim and Mona became the new Mr. & Mrs. MacKimmie. Jim and Mona shared 63 years together before her passing in 2021. They worked alongside each other running the local Junior Miss Pageant, and enjoyed many overseas trips together with the Sarett Nature Center.
Jim worked for 40 years at Whirlpool, holding various executive positions, before his retirement. During his career, Jim kept busy as a lifetime member of the Jaycees Club, and a member of the St. Joseph Elks Club. He was also an active member of the Methodist Peace Temple, and spent time volunteering at the soup kitchen in Benton Harbor. Jim enjoyed bowling, and woodworking, creating special items his family will remember him through. He was as an animal lover who gave “colorful” names to his pets. He was also a life-long avid golfer, maintaining his commitment and love for the game well into his 80s, even achieving two holes in one! After his retirement, he became a member of the Berrien Hills Country Club, spending countless days enjoying the greens.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Laura MacKimmie and two nieces, Bonnie Scoggins and Susann (Glenn) Wilhite. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mona MacKimmie; his brother, Thomas McKimmie; his nephew, Tom McKimmie and his parents.
The family will receive guests from 12pm until time of celebration of life service at 1pm, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Inurnment will take place privately at a later date at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be given to First United Methodist Church, 2950 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph or Sarett Nature Center, https://sarett.org/. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jim’s early life began in South Haven, where his family owned and operated McKimmies MensWear for many years. As a young man, Jim showed his true commitment and work ethic by obtaining the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. Prior to his marriage to Mona Kirchner, Jim went to court to have the “A” put back in his ancestral name to the original MacKimmie name that his grandfather had inadvertently “changed” during his early education, as it was too long to fit on his school slate. So, on April 12, 1958, in South Haven, MI, Jim and Mona became the new Mr. & Mrs. MacKimmie. Jim and Mona shared 63 years together before her passing in 2021. They worked alongside each other running the local Junior Miss Pageant, and enjoyed many overseas trips together with the Sarett Nature Center.
Jim worked for 40 years at Whirlpool, holding various executive positions, before his retirement. During his career, Jim kept busy as a lifetime member of the Jaycees Club, and a member of the St. Joseph Elks Club. He was also an active member of the Methodist Peace Temple, and spent time volunteering at the soup kitchen in Benton Harbor. Jim enjoyed bowling, and woodworking, creating special items his family will remember him through. He was as an animal lover who gave “colorful” names to his pets. He was also a life-long avid golfer, maintaining his commitment and love for the game well into his 80s, even achieving two holes in one! After his retirement, he became a member of the Berrien Hills Country Club, spending countless days enjoying the greens.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Laura MacKimmie and two nieces, Bonnie Scoggins and Susann (Glenn) Wilhite. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mona MacKimmie; his brother, Thomas McKimmie; his nephew, Tom McKimmie and his parents.
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