Jim (James) Forrest MacKay was born on January 3rd, 1953, to John W. MacKay and Eileen (Hoshaw) MacKay in Lafayette, IN. Jim grew up in Lafayette and, after military service, attended Purdue University to earn a PhD in Physics. He moved to Madison, WI, where he was a scientist at UW-Madison before starting Mad City Labs with his business partner, Bill O’Brien.

Jim had a contagious joy for life and found and shared excitement in everything he did. Jim knew something about everything and everything about some things. He was always starting a new project. He was a devoted father who was passionate about his children’s hobbies and loved participating in everything from restoring a vintage sports car to coaching baseball. Jim brought his whole heart to everything and always made sure to do it “big” whenever he did it—going so far as to build an entire baseball practice facility to make sure his sons had what they needed to succeed. He loved wine, barbecue, popcorn, ice cream, and celebrating family and friends with a simple meal or a big party.

He is survived by his wife, Jenice Con Foo, and three children, Evelyn MacKay (David Woolson), Forrest MacKay (Katerina Zahed), and Connor MacKay. He is also survived by his siblings Susan MacKay, Jack MacKay (Pam MacKay), and Scott MacKay, and his Australian family Veronica Con Foo, Roy Con Foo (Anna Con Foo), Natasha Emerson, and Justin Con Foo (Angela Con Foo). He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Cress Funeral Home on Saturday, 10/17/26. The family encourages everyone to wear a loud shirt, bright colors, or baseball jerseys to his service. A party for Jim will be held next summer.