Michael James McCabe

Michael James McCabe of Mesa, Arizona, passed peacefully from this life on September 10, 2023.

Michael was born November 9, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John James McCabe and Margaret Rita Golding. Twin brothers were born a year later to his parents, but they did not survive.  Little brother Vance L Sullivan was born 5 years later.

Michael lived many places throughout his young life – only ever spending one full school year in one place. He often spent time with his grandparents, especially Grandma Golding – at her place in Wellington Utah.  Somewhere along the line he picked up the nickname of Mickey – though he didn’t like it very much.

After graduating High School in Springfield Ohio in 1958, he spent the summer working on a farm in Sterling Colorado for $10 per day. After the summer was over, Michael had no job prospects, so he went and talked to the Air Force Recruiter. He attended the Language School at Yale, and eventually ended up in Korea, monitoring radio transmissions from the North Koreans.

After his Air Force time, he found a job in New York City working in Broadcasting. He went one weekend to visit his mother and brother near Chicago, and attended a church meeting where he met Nancy Lu White.  They became engaged to be married, though he didn’t recall really proposing to her. Michael and Nancy were sealed for Time and all Eternity in the Los Angeles LDS temple on October 31, 1964. He often said, We met in Chicago, got engaged in New York, got married in Los Angeles, and our first child was born in Salt Lake City.

That first child, Matthew, was followed by Amy, Nathan, Aaron and Laura over the next 12 years. The family lived mostly in Utah, a short stint in Farmington NM and later Evanston Wyoming for 5 years.  Michael worked in Radio and Real Estate primarily, doing whatever he could to provide for his family. After the family’s move to Arizona in 1987, Michael began working as a teacher and computer database programmer.

When his sweet Nancy passed away in February of 2006, Michael was not sure what to do with himself.  Nancy had taken such good care of him, he was just lost. After wandering for a time, he met and married the lovely Jean Kirkeby in Minneapolis. They met on a Christian Singles online group, met for lunch one day, and the rest is history. Michael and Jean became snowbirds, leaving the midwest winters to spend time in sunny Arizona near Michael’s family.. Jean took wonderful care of Michael, extending his life by many years. She knew of his deep love for her, and she lovingly cared for him until his passing.

Michael loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and was grateful to teach the principles of a righteous life to his family.  He loved his children and wanted what was best for them, and was an example of good and righteous living.

Michael is survived by his wife Jean, children Matthew McCabe of Germany, Amy Brown Hickman (George) of Payson, Utah, Nathan McCabe (Susi) of Gilbert, Arizona, Aaron McCabe of Tempe, Arizona,  and Laura McCabe, of Mesa, Arizona,  12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by stepchildren Joe Kirkeby(Heather), Jeff Kirkeby, Jennifer Maier (Michael) , Jana Kirkeby, and 3 step grandchildren.

Michael was predeceased by his wife Nancy Lu, son in law Mark Brown, and brother Vance L Sullivan.

Funeral Services will be held Friday September 15, 2023 at 11 am at the Taylor Park Ward Chapel at 825 S 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ, 85204.  Viewing will be held at 10 am, prior to the funeral. For those who wish to live stream the service: Michael McCabe Funeral Service 9/15/2023

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.