Hundreds Celebrate Life of James “Jimmy Mack” McNair
Hundreds of family, friends and fans packed the Paramount Hudson Valley theatre Thursday to celebrate the life and laughter of James “Jimmy Mack” McNair, the Peekskill man killed in a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Saturday morning returning from a show in Delaware with fellow comedian Tracy Morgan.
The more than two-hour tribute, which followed a public viewing service in the theater, included music, prayers, tears and funny stories about the 62-year-old McNair, who was given a long standing ovation before being showered with fond memories about his generosity, goodwill and zest for life.
“This is probably the biggest audience he ever got in Peekskill,” quipped host and comedian Freddie Ricks. “He loved the art of comedy. This man was hilarious. Mack was brilliant. He wouldn’t want us sitting around weeping.”
“When a comedian dies the world cries because there’s a little less laughter,” said comedian Tim Wynn. “He was a very, very, very funny man. His generosity was quite selfless.”
Besides his comedic talents, McNair was praised for his commitment to the youth of Peekskill, particularly at the Kiley Center, and his work with the homeless and disadvantaged at the Jan Peek House and Salvation Army. He was also an usher at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.
Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina read a resolution from the city declaring June 12, 2014 James “Jimmy Mack” McNair Day.
“I was one of the many who got to see the serious side of him. He was very serious about talking about the youth in this community. He didn’t fool around when he talked about the Kiley Center or his church,” Catalina said. “I think he would say I made a difference. He will be missed tremendously.”
Rev. Darryl Footman said McNair “gave his life giving comic relief” to others.
“He’s now in a place where the joy of laughter never ends,” Footman said.
McNair was traveling in a Mercedes limousine van with Morgan and three other passengers at about 1 a.m. when they were hit from behind by a Walmart tractor-trailer driven by Kevin Roper, 35, of Georgia, who reportedly dosed off after not sleeping for more than 24 hours.
The limousine, which was hurled clockwise, hit another vehicle, leading to a series of minor crashes, before overturning, according to New Jersey State Police.
McNair was pronounced dead at the scene. Morgan, 45, a former “Saturday Night Live” cast member who achieved fame on NBC’s “30 Rock,” including an Emmy nomination in 2009, suffered a broken leg, broken ribs and a broken nose and remains in critical condition at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Morgan’s assistant and two other comedians who performed at the Delaware Downs Hotel and Casino were also hospitalized. The limo driver was not injured. Roper was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto.
McNair is survived by a son, Jamel, who performed a song in his father’s honor, and a daughter, Denita, who was given a check for about $600 from comic friends of McNair so she can purchase a dress for her upcoming Peekskill High School prom.
He is also survived by two brothers, four sisters, several nieces and nephews and a host of great-nieces and nephews. McNair was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Cortlandt.
“This speaks for itself,” said Darrell Davis, a 30-year friend of McNair. “He had the biggest heart of anybody.”
“He was such a beautiful person,” said longtime family friend Carol Campbell. “He loved everyone. James was always such a blessing.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
