James Bruce McKenzie

James Bruce McKenzie 1933 ~ 2005 James Bruce McKenzie, age 71, died April 28, 2005 of complications from pneumonia following a long struggle with cancer and cardio pulmonary disease. Born in Kansas City, Missouri July 17, 1933 to Robert Seaton McKenzie and Maybelle Evelyn Sherman McKenzie. His family moved frequently during his childhood, possibly leading to Jame's nomadic spirit. He attended six elementary schools and two high schools before graduation in 1951 from Southwest High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Following service in the US Army, James attended University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri. He graduated in 1959, achieving a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Engineering. On July 23, 1956 James married Charlotte Ruth Witte, a farm raised girl from Norborne, Missouri. They had four children: Michael Seaton, Charlotte Cathleen, Marsha Ann Swartzfager (Pat) and Diana Lynn Merriman (Stewart). In January 1960 James moved his family to Treadway, Tennessee to begin a career in underground production mining, design, and civil construction. His work led to jobs in all parts of the United States. Over 35 years in the industry, he was involved in well over 100 projects spanning 39 States. In July 1973, he settled his family in Salt Lake City, Utah. Centennial Development Company employed him until 1983 when he became self-employed in freelance engineering and design. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in four Western States. In 1994 he retired to work on a summer home on the Strawberry River near Duchesne, Utah. James loved fishing and the outdoors. James was a gifted musician. Though he never learned to read music, he was self-taught on the guitar and piano. For many years he played lead guitar in a professional country /western band. His younger brother and sister were accomplished musicians as well. The three of them together always brought hours of beautiful folk/bluegrass music. His wife, four children, three grandchildren and brother William Sherman McKenzie of Columbia, MO survive James. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Robert and sister Mary Katherine Skeens. Many thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Salt Lake VA hospital for their wonderful care and support. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Lung Association. Burial and Services will be on May 2, 2005 at Mountain View Memorial, 3115 East 7800 South, Salt Lake City, Utah at 2 p.m., with a viewing at 1 p.m.