Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

James Robertson Tinny

Dec. 29, 1917 - March 12, 2008

 

South Bend Tribune 4/13/2008
WINTER SPRINGS, FL - James Robertson Tinny, 90, a resident of Winter Springs, FL, formerly of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Jim was born December 29, 1917, in Lakewood, OH, to James L. and Agnes (Butler) Tinny. Jim graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1941. He was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy as a naval aviator shortly after graduation. During his naval service, he perfected the night instrument landing system for PBY Catalina Flying Boats. Because of his extensive night and instrument flying experience, Jim was selected to lead flights of Army B-17 bombers from Goose Bay, Labrador, to England. While stationed in England, he was plane captain on over 42 bombing missions in the Navy's version of the B-24 bomber, flown out of Dunkeswell, England.

 

On August 12, 1942, he married Catherine Ann Schock in South Bend, IN. She preceded him in death after 64 years of marriage on March 9, 2005. Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Susan Maureen Tinny, and his sisters, Eleanor Tinny and Mary Kirkwood. He is survived by his children, James K. (Robin) Tinny, Kathleen (Dr. C. Port) Laderer, Christopher (Sandra) Tinny, Michael (Nancy) Tinny, Dr. Brian Tinny and David (Holly) Tinny. Also surviving are his most precious grandchildren, Jeffrey (Colleen) Laderer, Julia Paige (Geoffrey) Young, Kelly (Jay) Johnson, Andrew (Nicole) Tinny, Riley, Jillian, Kyle, Brendan, Evan, Haley, Devin, Calleen, McKinley, Nathaniel and James C. Tinny. Also surviving are several beloved great-grandchildren.

 

Jim was president of the C&E Trucking Corporation in South Bend, IN. Jim was a true member of the Notre Dame family and in 1971 began laying the groundwork for the original Notre Dame Quarterback Club. Jim's passion, devotion and involvement with golf will be remembered by many at the South Bend Country Club, the Evan's Scholars Program, the Western Golf Association and the United States Golf Association. He was the official starter of the U.S. Open qualifying held at the South Bend Country Club for 28 years. The memories of Jim's golf history will be forever cherished by his family and friends.

 

Private services were held in Florida. A memorial service will be held in June in South Bend, IN; announcement forthcoming. The family asks at Jim's request that donations be made to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation