James D. "Jim" Mack

James D. "Jim" Mack

NEWARK: Funeral services celebrating the life of Jim Mack, 66, will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the Heath Church of Christ, 1331 Chapel Way, Heath. Calling hours will be Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the church. He passed away January 10 at St. Ann's Hospital in Westerville from complications following heart and lung surgeries.

Jim was born October 17, 1947, in Newark to the late Bernard and Bernice (Wilkins) Mack. He graduated from Lakewood High School and the Licking County Joint Vocational School (now C-TEC) in 1965. Jim received an Associate Degree in Bible from Cincinnati Bible College (now Cincinnati Christian University) in 1970, where he was a member of the Seminary Chorus, Concert Choir, and Madrigal Choir. He also sang bass in a men's quartet, traveling to churches and summer camps. Jim played the trombone at Lakewood High School and in college. His son, Ryan, carried on this tradition, playing the same trombone in the Lakewood Band.

Jim was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1970, and ministered to several churches before beginning his career as an architectural engineer. The majority of his career was spent at the J.S. MacLean Company in Grove City, Ohio. In addition, he served as church custodian for 42 years at the Heath Church of Christ, where he was a member. This job was later expanded, putting him in charge of building operations. Jim's love of the Lord and the Church was seen through his dedication in his responsibilities.

Jim used his talents as a congregational song leader for many years, as well as a soloist and choir member. He began and led the One Voice choir and drama ministry, which produced a number of Christmas, Easter, and Fourth of July musical dramas. He had also served as a Sunday School teacher, missions committee member, and puppeteer.

On April 5, 1987, Jim married Becky Jaynes. They were blessed on March 5, 1991, with the birth of their son, Ryan James. Jim was a devoted husband and father, taking special interest in all of Ryan's church and school activities.

Serving as general contractor on his home, Jim designed the house, and built all the cabinetry and woodwork with his father.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Becky, and son, Ryan, of Thornville; brother and sister-in-law Kevin and Karen Mack, Thornville; mother-in-law Marsha Jaynes, Heath; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lu Ann and Ron Nickelson, Fairfield, Ohio; nephews and wives Jonathan and Danae Mack, Lizton, IN; Jordan and Tasha Mack, El Paso, TX; and Levi Mack, Thornville; Aunt Keitha Weaver, Heath; Uncle Bob and Aunt Pat Mack, Austintown, OH; cousins and their families, Ryan's girlfriend, Danielle Higgins and her children, Carter and Bradlee, and many other friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Birge Jaynes, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members. Jim looked forward to meeting his older brother, Harold, in heaven, who lived only three days.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Heath Church of Christ, 1331 Chapel Way, Heath, OH 43056.