Deacon McKenzie died May 25 in Nashville at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after a long struggle with heart disease. He was a life-long resident of Nashville and, for the past few years, Cowan, Tenn.. He was 69.
Jim was born Sept. 10, 1954 at St Thomas Hospital in Nashville, a place that would play such a large, happy part of his life. He began his education at Christ the King School and Father Ryan High School. He attended the University of Memphis until his son, James Kassian (Luciana) was born.
A few years later, Jim set his sights on a career in health care. While working as a surgical assistant at St. Thomas, he began it at Volunteer State Community College and on to Belmont University for degrees in nursing. He went on to obtain a masters degree from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia. He worked at St. Thomas becoming adept and noted for his skills in anesthesia and analgesia until his retirement.
Jim began his second career as a Roman Catholic deacon along with his brother and after his father’s death. He was ordained in 1997 by Bishop Edward Kmiec of Nashville. He was appointed deacon of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, working far the parish and later the diocese as well.
After his second retirement, Jim became a small businessman, opening Treasures of the Estate, an antique emporium, in Cowan. He closed the shop for health reasons shortly before his his death.
Jim is proceeded in death by his devoted parents, Earl and Winifred, and brother Stephen. Inludinis survived by four brothers, Jody (Karen), Andrew (+Polly), Rev. William, and Clayton (Susie) as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
The family will hold a visitation May 29, for immediate family, at 4:30 p.m., followed by friends and colleagues, 5:00-8 p.m. with a wake service at 7:30 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Church May 30 at 1:00 pm, Bishop Mark Spaulding presiding. Burial will follow in the deacon circle of Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Room in the Inn would be appreciated.
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