Obituary of James Gregory Mackie

James Gregory Mackie 1943 – 2024 Gardiner Mines It is with great sadness we announce the loss of our husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather James (Jimmy) Mackie after a brief illness on January 5th. Jimmy was born in Glace Bay on September 15th, 1943, to Jane (Andrews) and Angus Mackie. He resided his entire life in Gardiner Mines and was an active member of St. James Parish church until its’ closure. Jimmy was an autobody repair man who started his career in Sydney. In the late 1960’s he started working along side his two brothers at Charlie Mackie’s Autobody in Gardiner Mines. Jimmy never really stopped being an auto repair man as he was often found fixing his neighbors or family members vehicles. Dad was a kind-hearted and gentle soul whose entire life was his family. His happy place was sitting around a bonfire in the backyard with his family (he made the best home fries on the fire) or fishing with his buddies. Dad’s pride and joy were his grandchildren and every moment he spent with them was made special. He had the special gift of making every family member feel like they were his favorite. Jimmy is survived by his wife and best friend of 56 years Mary (Boutilier) and his daughters Cheryl (Steve) and Corinne (Angus), grandchildren Nathan (Joanna), Noah (Jessica), Alex (poppy’s best buddy) and Abby (Harrison), and very special great grandson Asher James. He is also survived by his sister Linda (Vince) Brunette and two dear friends Eddie and George Martin. He leaves behind several sisters and brothers in law and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law Catherine (Gouthro) and Joe B. Boutilier, brothers Charlie, Leo, Kenny and Irvin, sisters Eileen, Rodena, Lois, Judy, and Sandra. He was also predeceased by his best friend Daniel (Butch) MacDonald. “He never made a fortune or a noise in the world where men are seeking after fame; but he had daughters and grandchildren who loved the very ground on which he trod. They thought him just little short of God; Oh, you should have heard the way they said his name – Da / Poppy.” Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024, from 12 to 1 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1pm, with Fr. Daniel Boudreau presiding, all in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. Reception will be held in the Senior Citizens and Pensioners Club, 6438 Seaside Dr., Gardiner Mines, N.S., following the Celebration of Life. Burial in St. James Cemetery, Gardiner Mines in the spring.