John Charles Macy

Chuck was born in Iron Mountain, on Sept. 16, 1942, the son of John G. and Dorothy Hope (Anderson) Macy.

Chuck was a “military brat” since his father was a career officer in the United States Air Force. The family lived in numerous states, including overseas assignments in Panama and Turkey. Chuck’s parents had promised he could finish his last three years of high school at one school and the family moved to Iron Mountain in 1958 (the middle of his sophomore year) which was the 13th school he attended.

Chuck was deeply appreciative of Iron Mountain High School for giving him a needed sense of security and acceptance and a place to finally put down some roots. Chuck was active in athletics and excelled in football, basketball and baseball.

Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Paternoster, on June 17, 1961, at the First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain. He loved and was extremely proud of their three children, Jeffrey Alan (Ellen) Macy, Thomas Scott Macy and Shannon Marie (Steven) Willis. Their nine grandchildren were also a source of much joy and happiness: Beth and Emily Macy; Josh, Ben, Alexa and Sam Macy; and Morgan, Luke and Ryan Willis.

After graduating from Western Michigan University, Chuck began his working career as a Special Agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). He subsequently was employed as a Security Manager at Abbot Laboratories, and as the Security Chief at Amway Corporation, from which he retired in January 1999. Returning to Iron Mountain in 2001, he worked part-time for Jacobs Funeral Homes for 14 years.

Chuck felt deeply that God had blessed him more than he ever deserved and looked for ways to help those who needed help. He had been an active member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) and was a Certified Protection Professional (CPP). He won several national awards from ASIS. Chuck was a member of the Silent Observer program in Grand Rapids for several years and served one year as the chairperson of that organization. He served Cascade Christian Church in Grand Rapids as congregation chairperson for three and a half years and was elected to several other church officer positions. He was also a member of the Grand Valley State University Security Advisory Committee and was selected to deliver the graduation address for the GVSU Police Academy in 1987.

After moving back to Iron Mountain in 2001, Chuck was an active member of First Covenant Church and was currently serving as treasurer. Chuck also enjoyed active membership in Lions International, Iron Mountain/Kingsford chapter. He was an avid fan of the Iron Mountain Mountaineers and was awarded “Fan of the Year” status in 2010-2011.

He will miss coffee with the boys at Hardee’s.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Sandy; and his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by one brother, David; and a daughter-in-law, Jill Bower (Maxim) Macy.

Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 16 at the First Covenant Church in Iron Mountain.

Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Peter Erickson will officiate. Burial will take place in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain.

Memorials can be made to the First Covenant Church Building Fund or to the Salvation Army.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Chuck or leave a condolence for his family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Chuck’s legacy of life.