James "Jimmy" McKinzie

James "Jimmy" McKinzie was born on January 15, 1949, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Mack and Betty McKinzie. He went to be with the Lord on July 21, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Jimmy was the youngest of three children, joining his sister Charlotte McKinzie and brother John McKinzie. He grew up on the southeast side of Houston, Texas, where he developed the passion, determination, and larger-than-life personality that would define his life.

At the age of 15, Jimmy discovered his love for racing. What began as a passion became a successful career that spanned more than 20 years. Throughout his racing years, Jimmy achieved great success, including multiple championships, and built lasting friendships with many people in the racing community.

After high school, Jimmy met the love of his life, Barbara. Three months after meeting, they were married, beginning a beautiful 54-year journey together. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Dawn and Mike, who were born just 16 months apart. Jimmy and Barbara raised their family around dirt tracks throughout Texas and Louisiana, sharing their love of racing and countless memories together.

In the mid-1980s, Jimmy started a mobile DJ business as a way to provide extra income for his family. Through hard work, dedication, and his natural ability to entertain, he built a highly successful business. Jimmy became known for emceeing pageants, events, and community gatherings, including the Pasadena and Houston Cook-Offs. He also announced on the main stage at the Pasadena Rodeo and entertained crowds in the beer gardens after rodeo events. After 20 years, Jimmy retired from that career, leaving behind many fans and friends who appreciated his talent and humor.

Jimmy also enjoyed a successful career as a highway construction salesman. After retiring to Livingston, Texas, he found he still had more work to do and returned to his career for several more years before fully retiring.

Throughout their lives together, Jimmy and Barbara loved to travel. They explored many parts of the country in their motorhomes, from the Florida Keys to the East Coast and the West Coast, creating memories they treasured. Eventually, they sold their retirement lake house and moved onto the property of their daughter Dawn and son-in-law Nathan so they could all be close and support one another.

Above all else, Jimmy loved his wife, Barbara. He was forever grateful for her unwavering love and devotion through both sickness and health. Together, they were devoted parents to Dawn and Mike, proud parents-in-law to Nathan, and loving grandparents to Cameron, Connor, and Haleigh.

Those who knew Jimmy knew he was loud, funny, and full of life. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome. He was loved by countless friends, including many of Dawn and Mike's friends who considered Jimmy and Barbara like second parents.

Jimmy McKinzie will was a beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews: April, Cindy, Michelle, Brian, Chris, David, and Donnie, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jimmy McKinzie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His laughter, kindness, loyalty, and unforgettable personality will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.