James Connor Mackey

James Connor Mackey, 28, of Nicholasville, KY, passed away on February 18, 2026 in Lexington, KY. James Connor Mackey was born on November 14, 1997, in Nicholasville, KY, to John and Janine Mackey. He grew up in Nicholasville and attended East Jessamine schools.

He is survived by his mother, Janine Mackey-Hart; his siblings, Emmerson Mackey-Bond (Alex), Echo Joy Thorpe, Willow Mattison, Lola Thorpe and her children, Calvin, Mariah, and Violet; Brianna Mackey and her children, John and Isabell; and Maggie Hart. He is also survived by his grandparents, Joe and Doris Kinney and Ron and Vicki Kline; his uncles, Mike Kinney and Chad Sturgill; his aunts, Alisha Hauser, Deborah Bullock, and Kristy Sturgill (Giggy); his cousins, Reice Harter, Garett Harter, and Liadan Kinney; and his partner, Nox Shake.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Mackey, and his brother, Jonathan Smith.

James Connor Mackey always tried to make the best of any situation, even when things grew difficult. Those who knew him best will remember his cooking and his unapologetic sense of humor. To the world, he was James, but to those closest to him, he was Connor.

He was known for his incredible generosity, his desire to make life memorable for others, his passion for food and sharing his love of cooking, and his unwavering commitment to those he cared for most.

A phrase he often said was, “We gotta try this.”

One defining memory in his life with his siblings and cousins will always be Floodledoodle Island. He devoted much of his life to nourishing others both physically and emotionally. Through multiple life transitions, he demonstrated unwavering support and consistent levity regardless of the situation. His presence in the lives of others was deeply felt, even during times when they struggled to know themselves.

Because of him, his family was able to keep a part of his father with them a little longer. He taught others that it was safe to be unapologetically themselves. His legacy lives on through his niece and nephew, as their “Unc Connor,” and through the many younger siblings—both by blood and by bond—whose lives he profoundly impacted.

Connor's family and friends will gather Wednesday, February 25, at Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home for a time of visiting and sharing stories beginning at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Donations may be made in his honor to the Network for Hope at https://www.networkforhope.org.

This obituary was lovingly submitted by Connor's family. Arrangements are under the care of Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home, and we express our deepest sympathy to the Mackey family and Connor's friends.