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Cmdr. James H. “Jim” McKinney, Jr. (Ret.), 67, died Monday, October 16, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 27, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home.
Jim was born on November 13, 1955, to the late Martha Robbins and James Horace McKinney, Sr., on the Sewart Air Force Base in Tennessee. He was given not only his father’s name, but his love and devotion for his country. Jim graduated with the Class of 1977 Navy ROTC at The University of Mississippi and was commissioned in the United States Navy. He rose to the rank of Commander as a Surface Warfare Officer. His military career stationed him all over the world, constantly moving and adapting to new locations. After his time in the service, he worked at Ingalls Shipbuilding until his retirement in 2018. It was there that he met his wife, Sue, beginning a beautiful marriage and life together. Jim had a lifelong love of animals, and after losing two beloved pets, began to volunteer at Oxford Animal Resource Center. He found great purpose in his time volunteering, but most importantly, found two more dogs that he quickly fell in love with and adopted. Despite a lifetime of traveling in the Navy, Jim loved nothing more than relaxing vacations with Sue. Together they frequented the beaches of the Caribbean and Mexico. Sometimes staying at resorts to get fully pampered, and other times renting a house on the beach and living like a local. No matter the adventure ahead, Jim was always along for the ride and up for anything. He was thrilled to return to Oxford, as a huge fan of any and everything Ole Miss. Jim was best known for his quick wit and never-ending dad jokes that always won him a laugh. Most of all, he was so proud to be a “Poppy” to his two granddaughters. He was always at their beck and call, spoiling them often and preparing their favorite meatloaf or cheesy eggs whenever asked.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sue McKinney of Oxford, MS; daughter, Erin Burgett of Kenner, LA; sons, Patrick McKinney of Denver, CO and Sean McKinney and his wife, Monica, of Rochester, WA; bonus son, Tony McWilliams of Ocean Springs, MS; brothers, Tim McKinney and Ken McKinney; and two grandchildren, Colleen Burgett and Fallyn Burgett.
Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to your local animal shelter or rescue.
