James E. Macklin, “Poochie”, was born September 13, 1953 in Hickman, KY to Jannie and Joe Macklin. In 1959, Jannie and Joe moved their family to Shelbyville where Poochie began his youth. Growing up, even though his mom wanted all her kids to learn to cook, Poochie wasn’t having it. When it came time to cook or do dishes, his siblings remember him jumping on his bike and taking off. They would also tell you that he was very protective of his family, well, he could fight them but nobody else could. These stories are reflective of his adult life. Flash forward many years and Poochie still couldn’t cook, but he was still protective over anyone he loved. On March 17, 1998, his daughter Mariaha was born and that love and protection grew even more. He even began asking his sisters for cooking advice, although Mariaha will tell you that he was only able to master the hotdog. What Poochie lacked in the kitchen he made up for in his woodwork. He loved building and creating beautiful pieces for clients and family. Often surprising his mom with a new piece.

  Poochie enjoyed being an entrepreneur. He once owned one of the most successful bars and eateries in Shelbyville, called Poochie’s. We know he wasn’t in the kitchen cooking, but he did construct the building himself and was a great businessman. In his pastime he loved watching old Westerns, football and basketball, going to breakfast with his friends Rick and Kathy, and just being with his daughter and family. He and Mariaha loved going to dinner, taking drives, going on bike rides, listening to 50s music, playing games together (Rummikub was his favorite), and working in his shop. He would often teach Mariaha his love for woodwork and she loved helping him.

  To his family and numerous friends, Poochie was known for wearing a smile around town, waving, and giving a “Hey there”. He was a father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who is loved and will be missed forever.

  He is survived in death by: Mariaha Macklin (Daughter), his brother’s Tommy Macklin and Lisa Macklin (Spouse), Henry Macklin, Roland Macklin, Bruce Macklin, his sisters, Doris Macklin, Brenda Macklin, Bettye Macklin, Theresa Macklin, and a handful of nieces and nephews.

  He is proceeded in death by: Jannie and Joe Macklin, a brother Bobby Macklin, two sisters, Lottie Macklin and Mary-Lou Haskins, all four grandparents, two nieces, and many uncles and aunts.

  Visitation will be from 4p.m. to 8p.m. Monday March 4, 2019 at Crossroads Community Church 475 Progress Parkway Shelbyville, in. 46176. Funeral service will be 10a.m.Tuesday at the church with Pastor Andy Lee officiating. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.

  Funeral Directors, Greg, Sheila and Stuart Parks are honored to serve the Macklin family.

  Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com