James Lee Macken, retired district county judge, 91, of Scottsbluff, passed away Monday, November 2, 2020 at Regional West Medical Center. A Rosary Service will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, November 7at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Scottsbluff. Rev. Vincent Parsons will celebrate the funeral Mass. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Scottsbluff. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in James’ honor may be made to St. Agnes Catholic School Foundation. Online condolences may be made by viewing James’ memorial page www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home of Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
The Funeral Mass and Rosary will be live streamed on Bridgman Funeral Home and St. Agnes Church Facebook pages.
James was born Feb. 17, 1929 to Ervin and Julia Macken in Alliance, Neb. He attended St. Anthony Catholic School, Casper, Wyo. through eighth grade and graduated from Natrona County High School. After two years at Casper Junior College, he completed his undergraduate education and law school at Creighton University, Omaha. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1952.
Following graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve Infantry. He was promoted to first lieutenant and served two years as a court martial trial lawyer in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG).
On Dec. 28, 1954, he married Iris Killday in Colorado Springs, Colo. They were the loving parents of Stephen, Julia, Anne, James, and Laura.
In 1955 the family moved to Scottsbluff where he was in private practice. They then moved to Bridgeport where he was in private practice and served as Morrill County Attorney. He also served as president of the Bridgeport school board. In addition, he taught high school catechism classes and was a cantor in the music ministry at All Soul’s Catholic Church.
James served three years as a county judge in Scotts Bluff County. In 1972, Gov. Norbert Tiemann appointed James as district county judge for the 12th Judicial District, which includes Scotts Bluff County and the Nebraska panhandle. He served as district judge for 28 years.
He loved the law and enjoyed applying the laws in seeking justice. He often spoke at conferences and at various colleges in Nebraska, and had a great impact on his students, many of whom later pursued careers in law.
James served as president of the Scotts Bluff County Bar Association, president of the Nebraska County Judges Association, and president of the Nebraska Juvenile Court Judges Association. He devoted many years to the improvement of Nebraska juvenile court laws and procedures and founded the Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association. His judicial peers and attorneys recognized him for his genuine concern for those who appeared in his court, and for encouraging and supporting treatment for those with substance abuse problems.
James was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and served as a cantor in the music ministry. He was a 3rd degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Scottsbluff. His true passion was singing in church, accompanied by Iris on the piano and organ. He performed at numerous weddings and funeral services, as well as his daughters’ weddings. The Mackens entertained many groups and were known for their St. Patrick’s Day performances at the Gaslight Restaurant. He was a longtime member of the Oratorio Society and Platte Valley Singers. His performances were memorable, and those who knew music well claimed he had perfect pitch.
James is survived by his children, Stephen of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Julia (Daniel J.) Marshall of Scottsbluff; Anne (Phil) Davey of Hilton Head Island, SC; James of Rapid City, SD; and Laura (Jeff) West of Gettysburg, Penn.; grandchildren Anna (Drew) Hanna of Westminster, Colo.; John (Katy) Marshall of Scottsbluff; Aaron (Emily) Shafenberg of Thornton, Colo.; Reid (Katie) Shafenberg of Thornton, Colo.; Kate Macken of Arlington, VA.; Courtney West of Denver, Colo.; and Brooke West of Clearwater, FL; great grandchildren, Aydan, Asher, Ella, Cruise, Ledger, Svea, and Elin Shafenberg; Rhett and Kane Marshall; Austin and Connor Hanna; brother-in-law Patrick (Marlene) Killday; Barbara Allen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his wife and musical partner of 50 years, Iris; brothers Eugene and Donald; and sister Anna Mae Forsythe.
