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James Irvin McKenzie
James Irvin McKenzie
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James McKenzie Obituary
Born to J.E and Effie McKenzie on January 28, 1939, in Panama City, FL, Irvin was a 1957 graduate of Bay High and 1978 graduate of Gulf Coast Community College. He joined the Army in 1957 and proudly served both overseas and throughout the United States. During this time, he was the recipient of multiple awards.
He is a Vietnam Veteran, where he earned the Bronze Star. After his 20-year military career he returned to Panama City, FL where he lived until 1994 when he and his wife Maria (Tonka) McKenzie (d. 8/27/2023) moved to Vernon, FL. Country life agreed with Irvin and the birds and squirrels appreciated his daily feedings.
Irvin is survived by his brother William McKenzie; and his children: James (Patti) McKenzie, Roy (Bonnie) McKenzie, Effie Whittier (John), Robert (Kim) McKenzie, Toni (Jon) Heaberlin, Abby (Ashley) Broughton, and Melanie Broughton.
He and Maria have 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2403 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL followed by internment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
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