Jim Thomas McKay's Obituary
Jim Thomas McKay “Guy”, 90, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on April 20, 2023 in Memphis, TN.
After attending the Tennessee Military Institute (TMI), Jim graduated from Keiser Highschool in Keiser, AR in 1951. After graduation, he attended Northwest Junior College (1951-1953) until he enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve in The Korean War from 1953-1955.
During his years of service, he received the National Defense Service Medal and Navy Occupation Service Medal with Europe corps while aboard the cruiser USS Newport News, the flagship of the 6th fleet. The ship embarked on the Mediterranean and Caribbean Sea voyages to call on the cities of those regions.
On a leave from his military service, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Bagwell McKay. Jim enrolled in Memphis State University to complete his education. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1958. His first job after graduation was with Commercial Credit Corporation as an adjuster for Arkansas dealer accounts. He loved to recall memories from his experiences in Northwest Arkansas. He returned to Memphis to work for The Kellogg Company, Mid-Continent Systems, and the Shelby County Government, where he retired in 2004 ending a 46-year career in Occupational and Human Resource Management.
Jim enjoyed many recreational activities throughout his life. In earlier years, he was a volunteer with a local Boy Scout troop and an avid hunter and fisherman. He practically lived in Weiner AR during hunting season. As a huge Memphis Tiger fan, Jim was a founding member of the Highland Hundred Club. Born and raised in Arkansas, Jim was also always loyal to his Arkansas Razorbacks. He loved spending time in the Ozarks and in the Florida Keys on family vacations.
A devout Christian who shared his faith with others by his example; he worshiped at New Bethel Baptist Church in Keiser as a boy, First Methodist Church, Senatobia MS, Grace United Methodist Church of Whitehaven, and finally Central Church of Collierville, TN where he and Shirley regularly attended Sunday School.
In life, Jim earned the title of “Guy” from his grandkids. It was a title that he cherished dearly. The grandkids fondly remember Guy in the kitchen cooking homemade rolls, pizza, and brisket for many family celebrations. Most importantly, Guy's love, integrity, and set of values in his life was infectious. His family finds solace knowing he lived a full and meaningful life. Guy has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide them for generations to come.
Jim is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley Bagwell McKay, his three children; Jim McKay, Jr. of Lewisburg, MS, Sydney McKay Burns (Ricky) of Olive Branch, MS, Dewitt Talmadge McKay III (Renee) of Germantown, TN.
In addition, he leaves his seven grandchildren; Kyle McKay (Alexa) of New York, Brittany Barton (Scott) of New York, Hallie McKay Biggs (Ned) of Memphis, Sarah Hirsh (David) of Chicago, Layne Barton of San Antonio, Courtney McKay of Nashville, Witt McKay (Megan) of Germantown, and two step-grandchildren Hughes Raiford of Memphis and Keith Vaiden of Olive Branch. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren Nell, Eleanor, Evelyn, Cooper, Knox, Josephine, and Eli.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt Talmadge McKay, Sr, and Sarah McGregor McKay of Keiser AR, as well as his brother Dewitt Talmadge McKay, Jr. and sister Betty McKay Lillard of Rossville, TN.
The visitation will be held on Monday April 24th at 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Central Church, 2005 East Winchester Blvd. Collierville, TN 38017
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, any memorials be sent to Calvary Rescue Mission, 960 South Third Street, Memphis, TN.
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