James “Jim” Arthur McKenzie, 73, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.
Jim was born on Sept. 4, 1950, to Wilfred and Alta (Norgard) McKenzie. For his first two years of school he attended South Milltown School, with only four other children in the one-room schoolhouse. The family then moved to Cushing, Wisconsin, where he enjoyed playing baseball with the Cushing team.
In 1960, the family bought a four-lane bowling alley, four-room hotel and a cafe and bar in Centuria, Wisconsin. Jim’s love of bowling started with Jim Prodger of Frederic Lanes. He bowled all his life and achieved the perfect 300 game a few times.
In 1972, Jim married Kathleen Hoffman, of Centuria. To this union Jennifer Ruth and Darren James were born in their first home on Meadow Lane in Centuria. In 1981, Jim and Kathy took over the family bowling alley. To make sure his children got to school safely he drove bus for Unity School District and filled the slow summer days driving dump truck.
In 2001, Jim built what was his lifelong dream, a new bowling facility. To this day it is a very successful business and includes a full restaurant with homemade pizza and soup. He was very proud of this accomplishment.
Jim loved fishing on Yellow Lake, hunting and just being out with the guys. He was an active member of the Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in Frederic, Wisconsin. Jim was also involved in trap league at the Balsam Lake Rod and Gun Club, National Rifle Association, Pheasants Forever and PBA Peterson Classic Bowling Tournament.
Jim will forever be remembered by his wife of 51 years, Kathleen; children, Jennifer (Dan) Whelan and Darren (Lana) McKenzie; grandchildren, Matthew, Ayden, Will, Bella, Cory and Courtney; brother, Dale McKenzie; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Alta McKenzie; sister, Shirley Nelson; and sister-in-law, Gail McKenzie.
A Celebration of Life will take place from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, at Jim’s cherished McKenzie Lanes in Centuria.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444, and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, nwwicremationcenter.com.
