Submitted by: Dan Rich

James L. McKinney

Aug. 18, 1920 - Nov. 5, 2001

South Bend Tribune 11/7/2001

James L. McKinney, 81, of Mishawaka, Ind., died at 12:55 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, in Saint Joseph Community Hospital. James "Cricket" was born in White Plains, Ky., on Aug. 18, 1920, to Howard and Lillian (Whitfield) McKinney, who preceded him in death. James was also preceded in death by three brothers.

Mr. McKinney served his country in the Marine Corps during World War II and at the battle of Iwo Jima. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #360. He retired in 1980 from Uniroyal after 38 years of service. Among his hobbies were golfing, fishing, bowling, gardening and traveling.

James married the former Margaret Key on Dec. 7, 1940, in Madisonville, Ky. She survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Patsy (Jack) Buck of South Bend, Ind., Lisa (Jim) Hanback of Mishawaka; a son, Wilford McKinney of Osceola, Ind.; seven grandchildren, Sandy, Jenny, Julie, James, Adam, Taylor and Morgan; and by six great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 7th, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Albright United Methodist Church where he was a member, with Rev. Dennis Ingle officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, with the VFW burial team conducting military rites at the cemetery. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather; he never met a stranger; he will be greatly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Albright United Methodist Church.