James Phillip MacKenna, 76, of Little Elm, passed away peacefully on November 9.

The youngest of four children, Phil was born on July 21, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, to Dr. Leo W. and Frances MacKenna. He grew up in Denton, TX, where he attended Immaculate Conception Church with his family, and from an early age found his passion as a fisherman, bird hunter, and craftsman.

Phil served in the U.S. Naval Reserve while studying at North Texas State University, earning a master's degree in Vocational Education. He moved on to build a meaningful career as an educator—teaching woodworking at Congress Junior High, and later drafting at Denton High School and Northwest ISD. During summers, he worked in residential construction and remodeling, enabling him to seek peace outdoors and at home with his family. He was a stalwart mentor—patient and principled—who, up until his retirement in 2012, dedicated himself to helping young people gain skills, build confidence, and find purpose.

In his personal life, he was a loving father, husband, brother, and friend, whose life traced joyous memories from the Hill Country to Port Aransas, Colorado, and down the backroads and shorelines of North Texas. He was an observer, an advocate, and a problem solver (often a problem-avoider too). He was a rambler, a breeze-shooter, a late-night griller, a cusser, and a card. He was a gentleman—a legend who lives on in the hearts and minds of all he touched throughout his life.

Phil MacKenna is survived by his wife of 21 years, Mira MacKenna; his two sons, Kody and Pate MacKenna; his grandchildren, Mayson, Winnie, and Indigo; and his siblings, David Warren MacKenna, Ann Sheeran, and Mida Lingo. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his former wife, Jana MacKenna (mother of Kody and Pate).

A celebration of life honoring Phil will be held on November 29 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, 400 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201.