James "Jim" Shatswell Mackey, Jr.

James “Jim” S. Mackey, Jr.

James “Jim” S. Mackey, Jr., age 86, of Bethany Village Retirement Community in Mechanicsburg, died on Saturday, February 10, 2018.  Jim was born on Saturday, February 14, 1931 in Salem, MA to the late James S. Mackey, Sr. and Nellie Ida (Carter) Mackey.  In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his sister, Jean Cekovich.

Jim’s survivors include his wife of 60 years, Joan Elizabeth (Martin) Mackey; his daughter, Jacqueline Porter and her husband, James, of Oxford; his brother, Robert Alex Mackey and his wife, Gloria, of Harrisburg; and his nieces and nephews: Nicholas “Nick” Cekovich and his wife, Wendy, of Mechanicsburg, Irene “Iris” Cekovich and her partner, Liz Miceli, of Delaware, Deb Kramarich of New Cumberland, Cynthia Barnes of Harrisburg, Annette Miller of Harrisburg, Wayne Mackey and his wife, Melissa, of Harrisburg, Christa Barnard and her husband, Kenneth, of California.

Jim graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1949 and from Kutztown University in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in art education.  He then graduated from Penn State University in 1959 with a master’s degree in art education.  Jim did further studying at the University of Exeter in England and studied art in Spain under KU.  He retired from the West Shore School District, after many years of service working as an art education teacher.  Two of his art works are the seal for the West Shore School District and a mural of Solomon’s Temple that is displayed in the Masonic Lodge.  Jim was a Past Master and a 50 year member of the Eureka Masonic Lodge #302 F&AM in Mechanicsburg.  He was also a 50 year member of the Harrisburg Consistory and Zembo Temple as well as a charter and life member of the Zembo Past Member’s Club.  Jim was a lifelong member of the Episcopalian faith and sang tenor in many choirs in the area.

All are welcome to join Jim’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Saturday, February 24, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. in the Richard D. Rife Center at Bethany Village, 325 Bethany Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Brand W. Eaton officiating.  Jim’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship with a greeting of guests immediately following the service.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Jim’s life can be made to the Asbury Bethany Village Care Assurance Fund, 325 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Jim’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jim’s full obituary, view his portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.