John E. Mackenzie

John Edward Mackenzie, 80, passed on to the welcoming arms of our Lord, on August 12th, 2025, with the wife he adored, Julianne, by his side on their 36th anniversary.

John was born in Sydney Australia on the 18th of May 1945, to parents John Morrison Mackenzie and Phyllis Lumby Mackenzie, who predeceased him. John is survived by his wife Julianne and in Australia, two sisters, 2 children, 5 grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In his early years, John lived in Sydney and Newcastle Australia. He attended Knox Grammar School in Sydney and Newcastle Boys High School. Johnny excelled at sports through his natural ability, determination and practice. He earned many trophies in running at Knox Grammar School. He started playing rugby at Knox and continued afterwards with The Wanderers Newcastle Rugby Football Club. When he discovered surfing, he and his mates would travel on weekends to be the first to surf on some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. He won the New South Wales Surfing championship in 1964. When living in Papua New Guinea, John and a friend taught themselves how to sail. He pursued sailing in ocean racing events, including Sydney Hobart and Trans Pac LA to Honolulu races. Starting in his forties, John took up golf. Especially in Maryland and Florida, he made many, many friendships through golf. He also won many trophies along the way.

His business career started as an accountant with Smith Johnson Brothers (KPMG). John became an auditor and learned a lot from the various businesses he audited. He was promoted to run the office in Papua New Guinea. The indigenous population were quite primitive, and he enjoyed telling stories about his adventures. John first came to the United States in 1978 to pursue a beer marketing deal. He spent most of his time in San Francisco and Southern California. After returning to Australia for several years, and despite being Aussie through and through, John liked the USA and he came back for the long-term in 1986. John and Julianne formed a wine and spirits importing company and imported wines from Australia and vodka from Ukraine. John was particularly proud of developing his own Australian wine brand, Mackenzie Estates

John and Julianne met each other in Sydney in 1986 and were married on August 12, 1989, in Ringgold, GA. Their deep love for each other was passionate and constant.

John was known by several nicknames over his life: Radar, Smiley, Johnny Mac, Speedy Mac Barnacle Bill, Juice, Mackey. He was indubitably a fair dinkum man – true, honest and real. He loved music and counted some great musicians as his friends. His best attribute was his care and concern for others. He was always connecting people to each other, including many phone calls with his mates in Australia. His enthusiasm was contagious, his stories were legendary, and his empathy was inspiring. His smile lit up his face and the faces around him. All who know Johnny Mac find it hard to be without him.

Julianne would like to thank the doctors, nurses and other staff at Mayo Clinic and Hospital for their care over the years, and especially the ICU Neurosurgery and Nursing staff for their compassionate care of John and empathy for Julianne.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5th at 3:00 p.m., followed by refreshments, food and reminiscing. Location: The Yards, 254 Alta Mar Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082