James Joseph Mackel, Sr.
September 5, 1951 ~ October 19, 2010
Born in:
Philadelphia, PA
Resided in:
Lawrenceville, GA
James Mackel, Sr. of Lawrenceville, died at the age of 59 on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Philadelphia, PA and resided in Pine Hill, NJ before relocating to Lawrenceville, 24 years ago. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Diana Mackel; sons, Jimmy Mackel and his wife, Dymond Thiel Mackel, Dillon Mackel; loving grandson, Trey Mackel; his mother, Mary DeHabey; sister, Tina Juengert and her husband, Mark; brother, Russell Mackel and his wife, Joanne; niece, Amanda Mackel and nephews, Brenden Juengert, Ryan Juengert, and JR Mackel and his wife, Jill and their son, Russell Mackel, Jr and mother-in-law, Nancy Cavallo;along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Jim dedicated his time with Lawrenceville Youth baseball and football through LYA and Central Gwinnett Black Knight Community. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation at www.jajf.org.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 9:00am at Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville, 770-277-4550.
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Diana, Jimmy and Dillon,
My deepest sympathies to you all. I met Jim several years ago when he let me coach one of his T-Ball teams for LYA Baseball. I admit that I was kind of scared of Jim at first because he would always sort of growl at me when I asked him a question. As I got to know him I began to understand how special a guy he really was and how much of his own time he donated to his community.
We served for several years together on the LYA Baseball Board and eventually he stopped growling at me. When I took his spot on the board all he did was help me. Even when he was sick he was still giving his time to me and the baseball association he loved so much. We didn’t always agree about things but I always respected his opinion and he sure didn’t have a problem sharing it with me.
We will all miss him greatly and I will miss the little conversations we had about baseball and life.
Thank you Jim Mackel, thank you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was os sorry to hear about jim passing away.I want you to know the whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.Jim was a great friend.He taught me so much about baseball!I will never forget the day Jim taught me how to properly wrap a hotdog.shinny side in so it keeps in the heatAnother good one was the day I had to score keep for the first time.After the crash corse 10 min I hollered alot,Jim laughed.Or the time I messed up on the All Star papers and He only had a few.He let me live!The thing I remember the most is our talks at the picnic table.I remember the first time I saw Jim.He was coaching on the PeeWee field.I remember saying “Who’s that guy?” I remember Patick saying “That’s Jim Mackel.” “He is serious about baseball.” I said “YOU THINK ?”He was so much fun to watch you never knew what he would do next!I think for the rest of my life when I think about baseball I will remember Jim mackel.He will always live on in my memories and heart.
I was os sorry to hear about jim passing away.I want you to know the whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.Jim was a great friend.He taught me so much about baseball!I will never forget the day Jim taught me how to properly wrap a hotdog.shinny side in so it keeps in the heatAnother good one was the day I had to score keep for the first time.After the crash corse 10 min I hollered alot,Jim laughed.Or the time I messed up on the All Star papers and He only had a few.He let me live!The thing I remember the most is our talks at the picnic table.I remember the first time I saw Jim.He was coaching on the PeeWee field.I remember saying “Who’s that guy?” I remember Patick saying “That’s Jim Mackel.” “He is serious about baseball.” I said “YOU THINK ?”He was so much fun to watch you never knew what he would do next!I think for the rest of my life when I think about baseball I will remember Jim mackel.He will always live on in my memories and heart.
I was so saddened to hear of Jim’s death. He was a wonderful man, a good friend, and an awesome coach. He will be greatly missed.
Patsy Jones
I was so saddened to hear of Jim’s death. He was a wonderful man, a good friend, and an awesome coach. He will be greatly missed.
Patsy Jones
Diane, Little Jimmy, Dillion,
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was a great guy with a big heart. From the first time I met him which of course was at LYA Baseball me and him became friends. Over the years at LYA me and Jim had many conversations which most of the time occurred at the picnic table, or dragging the fields. The funniest thing I remember was on a day it had been raining and I met Jim early to help him with the fields. When he had finished dragging Field #2 he had pulled through the gate and forget to lift the drag up, he proceeded toward Field#4 and covered the whole sidewalk with mud. Me and Jim laughed so hard. Jim always helped me anytime I needed help and he always had my back. Jim always believed in me, so much one time he even gave me a job as an umpire. Man was that a mistake. Jim touched so many lives including mine, and my family. He gave so much to LYA Baseball. He will never be forgotten.
Jim Mackel was a very kind man. I always enjoyed seeing him when our teams visited Lawrenceville and talking baseball with him. He was an asset to the GGBL. My condolences to his family.
We are going to miss you Jim. Thanks for all that you did for youth sports in Lawrenceville. By the way, “we are going to have a workday at the field and need everybody’s help…” You just left a great big hole in the field workdays.
Rest in peace my friend.
Tom
Jim and Diana always working together:
Cedar Hill times when Diana was busy with school functions you would see Jim carrying Dillon around as a baby. Always there to help out. Time went on and you would see Jim coaching baseball and being in charge of the concessions and Diana helping out. High school times came with wrestling season and there would be Jim in charge of the concessions with Diana helping out. Football at Central, Jim had so many responsibilites and there was Diana helping out with the spiritwear. What an example this man was for his wife and children and the citizens of Lawrenceville. What we did not see was the influence Jim had on so many students. He was a father to those that needed a father, a friend to those that needed a friend, and a mentor to those that needed a mentor. Jim will be missed by all who knew him. We are praying for you, Diana, Jimmy, and Dillon.
My Condolences to Diana and family
Jim was a wonderful genuine person
with which I had the privilege of working with for many years.
God Bless
Jim Bryce
Diana, Jimmy, Dillon:
The Frazier family would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to your family in the loss of your beloved Jim. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. You are a special family that has had a great impact on the Lawrenceville Community. God Bless You.
Leroy & Tamara Frazier
Diney, Jimmy, & Dillon,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jim was the perfect “Grandpa” figure for Hunter & Jordan whenever they were with Diney. He loved the kids as much as Diney did. Your loving heart will truly be missed.
Love you all!
Donna, Mark, Hunter & Jordan
Jim Mackel was a shining example of what every citizen should be, always there and willing to help his friends, neighbors and community in any way he could. He freely gave his time and energy to Lawrenceville Youth Sports and Central Gwinnett High School Sports. He was an impressive man in so many ways and a very generous spirit. There are many children and families who were touched by Jim and he will be remembered and missed by many. Dianna, Jimmy and Dillion our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Find comfort in knowing that your Jim was an excellent example of what a husband/father should be – he was a pillar in this community. We have been truly blessed by knowing The Mackel Family.
Tim and Gail Cox & Family
Di, Jimmy and Dillon my heart is breaking for you guys. I know there’s no way to ever prepare for such a loss. What a fierce competitor Jim was. Many times I’ve seen him on the baseball field and seen the result of his strategic mind at work. I’ve even been in the opposite dugout a time or two and wanted to pummel him, lol, but as soon as the game was over we would go back to being friends again. He had a way of pulling out the best from his players and was so very respected. He will be missed by many.
Jim was Taylor’s first travel ball coach and more recently gave Taylor opportunity to umpire at Rhodes Jordan – Taylor has always had great respect for Jim. We really appreciate all that you have done for the LYA community – you have definitely made a huge impact for years to come. We miss you and will keep you in our hearts.
Baseball work days will continue at Central Gwinnett High School – we will continue the good work you began last year.
Di, Jimmy & Dillon,
Y’all have been a close, strong family and we pray that your strength in family will help you through this tough time.
My condolences to the Mackel Family,
During this time of great sorrow, may it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. I too know the pain of losing someone dear. Even though our hearts are broken, rest assure that our Grand Creator cares about you personally 1Peter5:7 and can help you though this difficult time.
Revelation 21:4 speaks of a time soon when God will do away with death forever. There will be no more sorrow, heartache, or pain. May your happy memories and sure scriptural hope comfort your hearts during this painful time.
Diana, Jimmy and Dillon,
Our heartfelt prayers go out to you during your time of grief. Your family has always had a strong presence in Lawrenceville, and in talking to anyone involved with sports at LYA you know that Jim had an impact on a lot of people in our community, both adults and children alike. It is heartwarming to know that he leaves behind such a legacy of goodwill towards his fellow human being. Love to you all.
I had the honor to work with Jim while he was with Pepboys. I performed the same job that Jim did here in Indiana. Jim was of great help to me over the years. Jim is one of the best men that I have known in my life. He will be truley be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jim fought a gallant fight. He will truly be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss and the pain. I pray that your close family and fond memories will help you through.
Dyanne Wallace
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at such a difficult time. It is a true honor to be a part of the Central Baseball Family of which Jim gave so much of his time and dedication. His legacy will continue for many many years to come. Thank you Diana for sharing him with us!
Allyson, Connor, Sarah and Mallory
Thank You Jim for picking me to be a member of my first real travel ball team. I enjoyed the several years that we were together as my coach. I’m thank you for the memories that I have from our trip to Coopertown, NY and beating the Canadians. Thank You Coach Jim!
We are very sad to hear about your passing. I know that you are in a better place and not suffering anymore! We will continue to pray for your family.
Jim, I wanted to thank you for all of the good times we had together as coaches and trying to raise young men that we can all be proud of. You provided guidance and leadership to help many baseball player’s make their high school baseball teams. I know that many will continue on and play college baseball or beyond.
You are a great person, hard worker, mentor, husband, father, and grandfather. We will miss you!
Diana, Jimmy, and Dillon,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
May Gog be with you all during that difficult time .