TORRINGTON – James Lee “Mac” McIver was born May 6, 1946, in Greybull, the son of Raymond and Grace McIver, the youngest of four children. When Jim was 4 years old the family moved to Torrington from Shell.
Jim went to Torrington Public Schools from grades 1 thru 12, graduating in 1964. He joined the National Guard, went to training in Maryland and returned to Torrington where he served a number of years in the Guard.
Jim worked with his Dad on many building projects, learning quite a lot about construction. From childhood, he was interested in figuring out how things worked.
For a short time, he owned a little motel complex. He worked as a carpet layer for a company in Torrington. He bought a laundromat and operated that, learning all the ins and outs of those pesky washers and dryers by doing his own repairs. He got into woodworking and cabinet building, eventually building his own bedroom and office furniture. Only a few years ago he got interested in building a covered wagon and researched that subject diligently. Then he built a covered wagon to three-quarter scale.
Eventually Jim landed on the locksmith business which he did for many years all over Goshen County. During that time, he invented a hose roller for fire trucks. It was such a success he set up a machine shop for fabricating the hose rollers and made them himself to be sold by a distributor and salesman in Ft. Collins, Colo., for many years.
Then there were planes, trains and automobiles. Jim loved flying and became a pilot after some charter work. He also enjoyed cars and working on cars and was a garage mechanic at one time. And he got to know more about trains than he ever expected to.
Jim was an active member of the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years where he made many good friends.
He was curious about everything and got involved with catering and baking. He constructed large smokers on wheels that could be towed around to events. He catered the 2-shot Goose Hunt for more than 20 years and was of the opinion potato salad could not be made with less than two-dozen eggs. His smoked and barbecued meats were known for their excellence around the state. At home, he made delicious rolls and breads and pies, again always seeking better ways to do something.
Jim was famous for always having a boxer dog along with him wherever he went. His boxers were very happy “people” because they had his constant attention.
Jim loved to garden and worked hard to grow the best cucumbers, cantaloupe and tomatoes anyone ever tasted. He also grew giant pumpkins to enter in the local contest for a couple of years.
He truly was a “Mac” of all trades.
Jim passed to his rest Aug. 9, 2020, while living on the same property he moved to as a 4-year-old boy in 1950. He is survived by one sister, Linda (Gene) Greeley of Oracle, Ariz.; six nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; his companion in later years, Marilyn Smedley, and a host of wonderful friends all over Goshen County. He will be missed by so many.
A private service will be at a later date and cremation has taken place. Colyer Funeral Home assisted in arrangements and friends may send their condolences to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
