James L. Mckay Sr.

Mr. James (Jimmy) L. McKay, Sr. was the son of the late Charlie and Minnie Lee McKay. He was born on July 4, 1942, in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, and departed this life on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center in North Carolina. On that day, the world bid farewell to a man whose laughter could illuminate any room and whose zest for life was contagious. Jimmy peacefully passed away with his loving family by his side.

Throughout his life, Jimmy worked as a truck driver. He was a devoted and longstanding employee of the City of Los Angeles from 1986 until his retirement in 2005. His dedication and diligence were Integral to the city’s operations, and his tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence made him a valued and respected member of its workforce.

Jimmy, “The Phone Sage” had a passion for the telephone, turning routine calls into impromptu seminars of life's idiosyncrasies. Known for his legendary knack for offering unsolicited advice with blunt humor, he delighted in sharing pearls like “never trust a skinny chef” or “always read the fine print.” Despite his directness, Jimmy’s insights were infused with humor and genuine concern. His calls, akin to scheduled comedic breaks, brightened up many days with discussions ranging from current events to his unconventional take on the medical profession and global politics. Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a distinct presence cherished by those fortunate enough to have received his unique counsel.

Jimmy was a man of remarkable determination and strength. Despite grappling with a chronic illness,
he stood tall against the odds, embodying an unwavering spirit of resilience. His journey was a testament to the power of understanding testament to the power of undestanding one's health and taking control of one's fate. By dedicating countless hours to reading medical journals and rigorously adhering to his prescribed regimen, Jimmy crafted a life that defied expectations. His story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, illustrating the profound impact of knowledge and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Jimmy had a passion for playing the lottery, always hopeful for that big win that would secure his family’s future. He immersed himself in books that offered strategies for selecting winning numbers, and developing his own method rooted in mathematical principles. To him, playing the lottery was not merely luck but a systematic approach to increasing his chances of winning.

A devoted fan of Westerns, Jimmy often found solace in watching his favorite characters navigate dusty towns under the setting sun. Additionally, his inquisitive mind, along with his love for nature was evident in his fascination with nature documentaries, where he marveled at the wonders of the natural world.

Jimmy was a pillar of strength and wisdom for his family. Whether they sought advice or not, he always had a humorous anecdote or a nugget of wisdom to share, profoundly influencing the lives of those he held dear. His humor was legendary, his jokes a reliable source of joy and laughter for all around him. Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering support. He will be deeply missed by his beloved family and friends.

As we bid our final farewell to Jimmy, let us honor his memory by celebrating with smiles of remembrance, acts of kindness, and a commitment to living life with purpose and meaning, rather than dwelling in sorrowful tears.

Jimmy was joined in holy matrimony to Doris Green, and together they celebrated fifty-five years of enduring love. Their lives were beautifully intertwined, creating a rich tapestry of cherished memories.

Jimmy is survived by his sisters, Carrie Smith (David) of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Sheila McKay Burnette of Pageland, South Carolina.

Jimmy was preceded in death by brothers Roy McKay, Billy McKay, Ray McKay, Edward “Tom” McKay, and Charles McKay, all of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Gerald Leake of Baltimore, Maryland, and sisters, JoAnn Chambers and Betty Ruth McKay Adams of Charlotte, North Carolina and Annie Ree Chambers of Pageland, South Carolina.

Jimmy leaves to cherish his memories, son James (Fella) L. McKay Jr. (Doris) of Mint Hill, North Carolina, and daughter, Darlene Chambers (Christopher) of Salisbury, North Carolina and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.