Joseph E. McKenzie

Joseph Elkanah McKenzie(affectionately known as Jay), was born on July 19, 1923 in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, WI and he passed at his home on March 10, 2017 at the age of 93. He was the third oldest of eight children born to Zephaniah and Florence McKenzie.

Jay served in the Royal Air Force from December/1944 until March/1946. He had hoped to travel to England during his time in the British military, but contracted the mumps before he was deployed and was unable to travel.

In 1950, Jay immigrated to the United States where he met the love of his life, Dolores Mair, thanks to the matchmaking efforts of his sister Janet. They were married on July 4, 1953 in Mount Vernon, New York. He would often joke about this date, saying endearingly that he “lost his independence” on Independence Day. They have been married for an amazing 63 years.

During Jay’s first years in the US he took advantage of educational opportunities in salesmanship that lead him to a position with the Electrolux Corporation where he excelled, earning him and his new wife a trip to be recognized at the 1955 Electrolux Spotlight On Success Convention at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. He later became a salesman for the New York Life Insurance Company for 10 years, where he often was one of the top sellers attending several conventions. Jay furthered his education in urban renewal, real estate appraising and mortgage financing and became a licensed real estate broker. He ran his own real estate business in Brooklyn, New York for over 20 years.

Moving to Florida in 1982 enabled Jay to enjoy some of his greatest passions: gardening and playing dominoes. He has amazed many with his agricultural skills and his lifelong love of the game of dominoes. He would never pass up the opportunity to give his opponents and egg and get a six love!

Jay touched others with his love for the Lord. Whenever he was called upon to counsel or console, he humbly turned to the holy scriptures for guidance. As a gifted public speaker, he entertained and encouraged at various gatherings.

Jay leaves to celebrate his life and carry on his legacy: his wife, Dolores, four daughters, Carol, Diane, Joan, Marie, son-in-laws George and Sam, brother, Cecil, sisters, Ruby, Joyce and Lucille, nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Christine, Karyn, Kayce, Eric, Ethan, Paul, Jonathan, Philip, good friend and domino partner ( “P”), Douglas and a multitude of relatives and friends.

The family appreciates and thanks all who have helped to make this celebration possible and Jay’s passing easier to bear.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to First Church of Coral Springs.