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Grandma Dessie Cole posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Kahlil Gibran once said, " When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." \
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May you find comfort in this time of great sorrow. A message of sincere and heart felt sympathy and understanding far deeper than words can say. \
Love, \
In Christ, \
Grandma Dessie Cole \
I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your cares upon God for He cares for you." \
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Ashleigh Walvatne posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Big Jim- Gosh, I am going to miss your smile! From the time I first met you, you accepted my mom, my siblings and myself as your family with no questions ask. It truly does take a special individual to welcome anyone with open arms and you sure did have your arms wide open! I always loved the hugs that you would give me. You would squeeze me so tight and I never would say anything about it because I have never had someone give me such a hug so powerful as yours were, thank you for those. You were a charmer thats for sure. Every time I would see you, you gave me such a flattering complement. They were cute, sometimes funny, but most of all very meaningful to me. Like you believed in my mother, you showed the same belief in me. You always knew that I was a hard worker, and everyone knows you love those hard workers! :) I want you to know that I am going to make you so proud of my accomplishments. I could say that I wish you were here to witness them but you already knew that I was on the right track and that I will do great things. So while your sitting up there, cross-legged (like you always sat), looking at all of the most beautiful gardens on earth, watch out for all of us would you? Try to help us out a bit by making sure we stay on the right side of the road and mind for that matter! :) Don't let anyone get too crazy, because we don't have you anymore to really put them in their place! :) My mom has always told me that it's not the beginning nor the end that really matters but the middle that does! I have loved all the wonderful times, dinners, porch sittings, holidays, birthday's, and gatherings that we have all shared together. I love you Big Jim! xoxo, Your Cutie Pie, Ashleigh
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Brandon Hamilton posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I know one thing, Big Jim was a really good man and I liked his sheep! I will miss giving you my bear hugs Big Jim! Love, Brandon
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Lindsay Cantrell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
"Big Jim" I am so thankful for the memories I have of you! Words cant express how much you are loved by everyone!! When ever I would see you you would give me a hug, say something funny, and pat me on the behind! I will never forget your laugh, it was as unique as you. When I was younger Colt and I would come over on the weekends and go fourwheeling, you always made sure we were safe, and having fun. However you never said too much about us riding the trails ALL day long except for the occasional "slow it down". Thank you so much for the great memories and you are truly missed by everyone! Love you!
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Michael Williams posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
It only seems like yesterday that we were out hunting together. I still remember coming into Colorado the first time, or driving down into Steamboat Springs where we had lunch. It seems like most of my hunting memories involve you in some way shape or form, whether it was squirrel out in Millington or deer behind the house. Who cares if we were actually sitting in the truck! I owe a lot of my childhood to you. You were patient with Amy and I, and we appreciate that so much. You always had a special way with kids... I will miss all the half tuna fish and onion sandwhiches, or bacon and eggs. There isn't enough time to tell you how much you will be missed, or how much I thank you for everything you have done. Although I missed being there for you the past few days, I know that in my heart I am where you want me to be. Big Jim, I love you dealry, and will miss you with all my heart. I hope that you are in peace and look down on Hadley. How great it would have been to have her grow up with you around. Thanks also for being so great to Jill. Although she only new you a short time, I think she really appreciated you just as much. Until we meet again...
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Kathy Cantrell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I am so proud of what you meant to my kids. They all had a tough time writing their feelings down through tears. We will truly miss you. Jim, you were so much a part of our lives. You were part of us. Your journey home was a peaceful one on Sunday and we were all their with you. The nurses said you could hear us when we expressed our love for you and there will be peace in the valley some day. "You said so". We all Love you, Kathy.
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Terri (Cantrell) Burfield posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Jim: I know you are watching from up above and enjoyed your hillbilly dinner we all did in your honor. Having everyone here reminded me of all the dinners at Grandpa Ossie's house. I remember the time you came down the stairs in now a nice way, the look on your face was priceless You'll always be in my heart. When I see a certain cowboy hat I will think of you. Thank you for being a part of my life. Keep Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Bob, Uncle Bond and the rest of the gang out of trouble up their. Until we meet again, I love and miss yo. Keep the coffee on. Terri Cantrell Burfield P.S. Don't worry about Lady. She is being spoiled and very well taken care of.
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Stephanie Cantrell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I was not born into Big Jim's "family"... But it didn't take long to become his family. Big Jim accepted, loved and cared for my four children, Ashleigh, Cody, Brandon, Shelby and i as if we were his own. I will miss your laugh, your hugs, your calling me "chubby" (you were the only one who got away with that one). I will miss making dinner for you. You knew that there was always a place for your at our kitchen table, Lady too! I will miss our coffee times at our home around the table or in the lawn chair overlooking my garden or on the front porch on the swing. Big Jim knew right from wrong and was never afraid to speak of it, whether we liked it or not. When no one believed in me, I knew that Big Jim did. I received my share of pep talks. Big Jim told me that when I get my college degree, "I could go down the road kicking can's. The stories and memories are countless. Big Jim was a kind, generous, gentle and loving man who will be so greatly missed by his true family who spent each day of life with him. My life was richly blessed by being a part of his life. Someone once said, "Each life, no matter how fragile or brief, forever changes the world. Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within us, forever in our hearts." Corinthians 13:7-8 says, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things endures all things, love NEVER ends". And so, our love for you will never end! You were faithful to us all as we remained faithful to you until the very bitter end... You fought a big fight and we are now without you, our sweet Big Jim. You will forever be in my heart and soul. I loved you! There is Peace in the Valley and here on Earth - Stephanie, 7/11/07
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Stephanie posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are they that mourn, for they will be comforted".
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Jimmy Cantrell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Jim, you will always be #1 trucker to me. Without you, I wouldn't be one. You always had my back and let me know when I was wrong or when I was doing it right. I miss that laugh and our coffee together. You always told me to "keep quiet at work and don't admit to anything". Remember the snowmobiling trips and the deer hunting in Trout Lake. You always talked good about my mom and I liked that. Remember when you shot that mule deer and wanted me to use my tag and I said, "no". Well, I hope your in Heaven driving truck; you inspired me to do it. Your #1 like Pa was. - CB19 "Quarter pounder" - Love, Jimmy
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Amy Williams posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Jim - (Big Jim) - No matter what I write, it will never express my love and the respect I have for you! I am so glad I got to spend all of my 27 years knowing you as well as I know my grandparents. I enjoyed every time you took me to McDonalds when I was little, taught me how to drive when I was about 12 and the pride you had when you held my daughter Hadley. I will never be able to tell her what an incredible person you were. There isn't enough time! Even though you won't be buried where I can visit you whenever I would like, I know in my heart you are with Hadley and I every day. We are so lucky to have spent the best years of our lives as well as yours with you! You will always have a special place in my heart! Thank you for the love you gave all of us! I love You! Save me a place on the picnic table wherever you are, so we can chat when I get to heaven. I will have so much to tell you! Love always, Amy
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Martha (Wayne) Cantrell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The first time I saw Jim, Wayne and I had just been married and he was standing in the tobacco field by grandma Norie's house. I would always see him when I would come to Flint. I will miss seeing him when I come to Flint. Martha Cantrell
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Sandi (Estep) Couch posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
We spent so much time at Jim's house when Mom and Daddy had the garden at his house. We would have picnic's in the yard. I remember my kids running through his yard when they were so young. We will always remember him and the times we had there. Sandi Couch
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Cody Brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I will miss Big Jim dearly. He was always a joy to be around. I will never forget our long chats on the couch waiting for dinner, or walks with Ladie out at Ma's farm. He was a very laid back person. It did not take much to entertain him. I will never forget his laugh, it "always" put a smile on my face. I will always regret not being able to say bye to Big Jim, but I will "never" regret the time I spent with him. He has made a large impact on our family, and we will never forget him! I love you, Big Jim! Love, Cody Brown
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Jack and Shirley Brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
We miss Jim allot already. His dog is lonely for him to take him for a ride or just to be with her. We did not know him as well as many others did, but we always enjoyed his company. He will be sorely missed. There is peace in the valley as one of his favorite songs says. We appreciate his love for our grandchildren and daughter as they joined the family! Jack and Shirley Brown
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Debbie Estep and Family posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Jim was part of the generation of men that were real men. He gave my mom and dad and family a part of his yard to plant a garden and in doing so, extended their lives for years. He treated all of us with respect and love and we lived him for it and we still do. Love Debbie and Estep family.
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Colt Cantrell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Words cannot describe how much everyone is gonna miss Big Jim. I know I will miss him allot I'm sure gonna miss the phone calls to him in the morning talking about what he was gonna do that day or listening to him give me advise about driving a truck. He was always full of advise and no matter what it was about you could count on it to be true. We had a lot of good times going up north spending time at the cabin mowing lawn or riding four wheelers. It didn't matter, I always had fun and I think he did too. I always knew that I could tell Jim things whether they were good or bad. He always had the right answers and a smart ass comment and a good laugh. Well we will all miss you Jim. I know I will and I thank you for all the good times. I hope there is peace in the valley! Love, Colt
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April Hellinger posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
How can any of us put into words how Jim touched our lives. He was an inspiration. He was quite, kind, generous and full of love. Especially to my two kids, Colt and Lindsay. Jim treated them as his family, as his own grandchildren and they have always thought of him as their grandpa. I am just thankful for the many wonderful memories I have of Jim and the ones my kids will cherish forever He was a wonderful guy! Jim will be terribly missed by his family here in Michigan. April
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Cindy O" posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I don't even know where to begin with my memories of Jim. I think my first memory was when I was four years old. Calling Jim my cousin seems so inappropriate. He was my "grandpa". He was part of our family every day, either at the dinner table, stopping for coffee and to read the newspaper or just recently to hold Hadley, who he said was "perfect in every way". He loved that baby. We made many trips to Kentucky with Jim to visit Aunt Mausie and Uncle Charlie. I will never forget the time that Jim thought it best for us to stay in the camper in the family cemetery so we wouldn't wake Aunt Mausie. To his surprise, there were prayer services going on in the cemetery the next morning and we were parked right in the middle of the services!! Jim took me and my friends camping and to Cedar Point on many occasions as I was growing up. He took Jimmy and I snowmobiling and motorcycle riding. Jim was with me the day I shot my first deer. He got me settled on a hill and he stood at the top of the next hill so he could make sure I was okay. He said he watched me hold that gun and patiently wait for the perfect shot. I will remember Jim's unforgettable laugh that came from his belly; his love for good southern fried food; how he talked to himself and answered in gibberish and most of all how he loved and spoiled all of us kids. Although we were not allowed to bury you here with us at home, you will always be at home with us. Although in death, your body was taken to Kentucky, the 43 years we had with you can not be taken away. I am so honored to have had you in my life and to hold you when you passed from this life. You have touched each and every one of us and we will love you forever. Cindy
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The Michigan Family of James H. McKenzie posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
In Memory of James H. McKenzie (Big Jim)-\
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Gone from our site,\
But never our memories.\
Gone from our touch,\
But never our hearts. \
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They say if you want to see how a person touched lives while on this earth, you should witness who shows up when they die. Jim, we want you to know that your Michigan family and friends all came out yesterday to share their memories and a special southern meal. You would have been so happy with the memorial dinner we had in your honor and we know how happy you would have been to eat the "hillbilly" beans, soup beans, cornbread, fried chicken, buttermilk and many of the other goodies we prepared for you.\
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If we would have been allowed to write your obituary it would have stated:\
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McKenzie, James H. (Big Jim), passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2007 with his family at his side, after a short illness. Jim worked for General Motors, NAO Transportation Division, retiring in 1996. Over the years, Jim loved to hunt, snowmobile, and motorcycle with his family in Michigan. He also loved to garden and grow beautiful vegetables. Recently, one of his favorite activities was to raise his pet sheep; Baxter, Bailey, Daisy, Lilly and Maude along with a few others. His most treasured pet was Lady, his dog, who never left his side.\
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Jim leaves his special cousins and caretakers to cherish his memory: Jack and Kathy Cantrell. Jim and Stephanie Cantrell and children, Colt and Lindsay Cantrell, Ashleigh Walvatne, Cody Brown, Brandon and Shelby Hamilton. Brian and Cindy (Cantrell) O'Rourke and children, Michael Williams, Amy Williams, and Hadley Williams (his little baby who was "perfect in every way"). Jim also leaves many other special cousins and friends in Michigan who's lives he touched. Jim will be in our memories always.\
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In Loving Memory
James McKenzie
1928 - 2007
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