Visitation will be at Lawrence United Methodist Church on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 10-12 with a memorial service following at 12 p.m.

Pastor James A. McKinney, age 91, passed into his eternal home on November 24, 2015.  He was born in Murphysboro, Illinois on April 19, 1924 to Edith and Hugh McKinney. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a leader in the Methodist Church all his life. He attended Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and Ohio Wesleyan Officer Candidate School. He proudly served in the Marine Corps and Navy during World War II. After the war he was eager to return to the ministry. He served Indiana Methodist churches in Vevay, Tell City, Sullivan, Madison Trinity, Franklin, Christ Church-Indianapolis, Carmel, East Columbus and Bartlett Chapel. Jim officially retired from the Methodist Church in 1989 to care for his ill wife, Rachel. During this first retirement he volunteered as a chaplain at Wishard, I.U., Methodist, St. Francis and St. Vincent Hospice. He did pastoral counseling, led bible studies, prayer groups, presided over  many funerals and performed many weddings. He returned to the formal ministry as associate pastor at Lawrence United Methodist Church in 1990, served as chaplain at Marquette Manor Retirement Center for 6 years and spent the last 11 years of his ministry as pastor of Christians United Church at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel at Fort Harrison. In 2010, at age 86, he retired from this ministry. He always said this was the highlight of his service to God.

When Parkinson’s showed up at age 89, he attended Rock Steady Boxing, which is an exercise program for Parkinson’s patients. He loved the camaraderie and support of other patients and coaches.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Kay McKinney, children Pastor Kevin McKinney (Joyce),  Kimberly Papanikandros (Ly), stepson David Fresher, brother John, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rachel, son Michael and sister Margie Crain.

Visitation will be at Lawrence United Methodist Church on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 10-12 with a memorial service following at 12 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence United Methodist Church, 5200 North Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46226 or Rock Steady Boxing, 6847 Hillsdale Ct., Indianapolis, IN 46250.  Arrangements by Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory.