Mr. James Oliver Mckenzie, 82 of Frederick passed away on Monday, April 8, 2013 at the Martinsburg Veterans Medical Center, WV. He was the husband of 59 years to the late Bertha L. Mckenzie. Born April 12, 1930 in Frostburg, Maryland, he was the son of the late Leo and Margaret (Baer) Mckenzie. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving his country as a Sargeant, Tank Commander from 1951-1953. After his service he worked at Frederick County Products as a butcher. He retired from the Frederick County public school system after more than 15 years of service as a custodian at Middletown Elementary School. He loved this job, helping and taking care of staff and students. He was a member of the AMVETS Post 2. Throughout his life he enjoyed spending time camping and boating. He is survived by his brother Ernest Swanson and wife Lena. In addition to his brother, James is survived by his three children; two sons, Dennis McKenzie and wife Cindy, Mark "Sparky" Mckenzie and wife Kitty, and daughter Cathy Spence and husband Orrin; grandchildren, April Mckenzie, Chrissy Schultz and husband James, Matthew Mckenzie, whom is proudly serving the United States Army as a PFC in Ft. Hood and wife Ashley, Lacy Mckenzie, Joshua Mckenzie, Paul Miller, whom is proudly serving the United States Army as a Staff Sargent in Ft. Sam Houston, Ashley Miller, Ryan Godles, Cole Spence and Heather Spence, Brad Dick; and four great grandchildren, Hailey Schultz, Jaelynn Dick, Kolby Dick and R.J. Godles. In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Blaine Mckenzie and one sister Ruth Summers. The family will receive friends from 5-8pm on Wednesday, April 10, at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick, Maryland. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, April 11, the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Pastor Kenneth Gill will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Dennis Mckenzie, Mark Mckenzie, Orrin Spence, Josh Mckenzie, Matthew Mckenzie and James Schultz. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VA Medical Center Voluntary Service, 510 Bulter Avenue, Martinsburg, WV 25405. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.keeneybasford.com
