Jesse James “Jim” McKinney was born the son of Jesse Cecil McKinney and Rosie Belle (Norris) McKinney on January 3, 1933 in Corning, Arkansas, and departed this life July 23, 2013 on his farm in Ravenden, Arkansas, at the age of 80 years.
He was united in marriage on August 12, 1957 in Rockford, Illinois to Julia M. Case.
He is survived by his wife, Julia McKinney of Ravenden, Arkansas; six children, Jesse McKinney of Rockton, Illinois, Gary McKinney of Herculaneiu, Missouri, Shonnie French of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Dearl McKinney of Ravenden, Arkansas, Luke McKinney and wife, Donna of Pevely, Missouri, and Renea Frey and husband, Len of Jonesboro, Arkansas; fourteen grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; four sisters, Evelyn Keller, Corina Jones and husband, Ralph, Ruth McKinney, and Jackie Caltagerone and husband, Russ; two brothers, Billy McKinney and wife, Shirley, and Cecil McKinney and wife, Evelyn; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Rosie McKinney; one great granddaughter, Serena Bounds; and one brother, Eugene McKinney.
Jim was a Veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army.
He and Julia owned and operated a livestock farm where they worked side by side for many years. Jim loved his family, farm, cattle, and tractors, especially Massey Ferguson. He enjoyed taking his kids and grandkids swimming and often drove over the farm with his family, sharing stories and his love of the land.
He was a well-known mechanic, working for the Cooper Corporation in Cherokee Village, Arkansas for twenty-three years and R & R Industries in Thayer, Missouri for approximately fifteen years.
He will truly be missed by his family, his friends, and the community in which he lived.
Funeral services for Mr. McKinney will be Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home in Thayer on Friday evening, July 26th, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.
Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery near his farm in Wirth, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
July 25, 2013 @ 9:42 am
So sorry for your lost, our prayers are with you and your family.
July 25, 2013 @ 1:53 pm
Renea and Len: My deepest sympathy. Continuing to pray for you and your family. May God grant you peace, love and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
The Hicks Family
Charlie, Robin, Trey and Sarah