Friends, family bid final farewell to comedian James McNair, killed in Tracy Morgan crash

PEEKSKILL (WABC) -- Standing on the same stage at the Paramount Theater where his father once did, Jamel McNair performed a moving tribute to his dad, James.

It was tough for Donita McNair to hear. The 18-year-old is about to graduate from high school, which is something James was so looking forward to seeing.

Tears quickly turned to laughter, endless laughter as hundred cerebrated the life of McNair.

The tribute truly captured the essence of what what the comedian was about.

The service was a mix of traditional moments and, as those close to him said McNair would have wanted it, non-traditional elements.

Known on the circuit as Uncle Jimmy Mack, McNair was one of television actor and comedian Tracy Morgan's closest confidants and wrote material for him.

McNair was riding in the limo with Morgan when that Mercedes Benz was violently hit from behind on the New Jersey Turnpike. The impact killed McNair, and critically injured Morgan and several others.

For most of his life, McNair lived in Peekskill, where the mayor declared June 12 Uncle Jimmy Mack Day - a salute to a man friends and family said was brilliant, a humble soul, an activist, and a good friend who served and loved his community.

Morgan's publicist released a statement Thursday saying it was a "better day" in the comedian's recovery.

"While Tracy remains in critical, but stable, condition, he continues to show signs of improvement," said the statement from Lewis Kay. "His medical team remains optimistic that his recovery is progressing."

The statement also mentioned Morgan's assistant Jeff Millea, who "has also shown much improvement over the past few days," according to his wife.