James Marion McKinley

James Marion McKinley was born on the 8^th of April 1946 and passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, the 9^th of November 2011.

Jim was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, spent his childhood there, and graduated from Northside High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from The University of Arkansas, and he was a lifelong Razorback fan.

After college, Jim joined Continental Can Company where he became Regional Manager of Industrial Relations. He then joined NL Industries Oil Field Service Group and served that company in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In recent years, Jim and his business partner, Lew Arend, headed McKinley Arend International, an executive search firm. Jim conducted long-term consulting arrangements and specialized recruiting for his clients, specializing in the areas of oil and technology.

Jim was preceded in death by his father William Murray McKinley and his mother Ruth Woods McKinley. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Strang McKinley. Jim and Patricia were high school sweethearts, best friends, and companions for life. They shared their home and their lives with friends and family with special traditions that brought happiness to all.  He is also survived by his brother William Murray McKinley, Jr., and his wife Mitzie, and Bill’s children Eleanor Jane July, William Murray McKinley III, and Adam Bruce McKinley. Harley Strang, his father-in-law who was like a second father, and his wife Norma survive Jim. Also surviving are Patricia’s sister Charlotte, her husband Larry Whaley, and their daughters Patricia Katherine and Jenna Elizabeth, and Patricia’s brother Maj. Brian Strang, USAF, his wife Christy, and their sons Brian Daniel and James Emerson. David Longwood and Jon Green survive as special, devoted friends. The “Professionals”, his brothers and friends for life from the University of Arkansas, will miss Jim deeply. Fellow Nissan GT-R car enthusiasts, his Homeowners Board of Directors, and so many others will miss his companionship and leadership. Not to be forgotten, Jim loved his cats, and they loved him. Jim’s humility, determination to do the right thing, dignity, sense of playfulness and humor will be missed by all who knew him. His unyielding faith in God has sustained him throughout his life. Jim was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Monday, the 14^th of November 2011 at 2pm. The service will be officiated by Dr. L. James Bankston. A reception for family and friends will follow in Fondren Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers the family gratefully requests that memorial contributions in Jim’s name be made to Citizens for Animal Protection, St. Paul’s Methodist Foundation of Houston, or the charity of your choice.

Comments

[Beverly Woods Elliott]

"Cousins are usually the first friends we have as children.
No one will ever understand your family like your cousins do.
Even if you haven’t talked much lately, they are a part of you.
I have the best cousins in the world."

Godspeed, Dear Jim.
Trica, May God bless and keep you close and safe. Our prayers and hearts are with you.

Much love to all,
Bev (Woods) Elliott

[Stephanie Reyes]

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. This is one of the most difficult things we must face in this life. May it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. But the bible assures us at Psalms 34:18 that God is near to those broken in heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. He also promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again. Jesus own words found at John 5:28,29 tells us there will be a resurrection. What a wonderful hope! He also promises that soon on the earth there will be no more pain, suffering and especially death. Revelation 21:3-5 We anxiously await the day when we will no longer lose those we love. May these bible thoughts bring you comfort at this most difficult time.

[Roxanne Woods]

I am thinking of you and your family and wishing I could be there now for your service. I will always remember you so fondly. I still remember how you would bring lots of extra fireworks to grandma and grandpa's house (Bud and Vi) everytime you got to come for the 4th of July. Usually the big ones that our parents couldn't afford (or maybe they were just scared of them). You made our childhood a little more special. Since I've grown up, I see you as much more than that special great-uncle that brought the fun fireworks, but as a sweet and caring man, from a very wonderful family. I wish I had taken the time to find you since I moved here to Houston. It reminds me how precious time is, and that we need to stay better connected to those we hold dear.

[Connie Bragg]

Deepest Sympathy
"If a man die, shall he live again?" asked the man Job long ago.( Job 14:14, King James Version) Perhaps you, too, have wondered about this. How would you feel if you knew that a reunion with your loved ones was possible right here on earth under the best of conditions? Well, the Bible makes the promise: "Your dead ones will live....They will rise up." And the Bible also says: The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it."-Isaiah 26:19; Psalm 37:29. I hope this has brought you as much comfort as it did me in my time of sorrow.