James “Jim” Ray McKinney flew home to the Lord on Monday, November 18, 2024, at his residence after a long and fulfilling life of service to his family, community, and students.

Jim was born on September 5, 1944, in Piqua, Ohio, to the late Jesse “JB” and Pearl McKinney. When Jim was only five years old, his beloved father passed away unexpectedly, and Jim struggled to process this loss in the years that followed. This influenced the rest of his life. Thanks to the compassionate influence of an elementary school principal, Jim persevered and attended college despite his struggles in school.

During his senior year in college, Jim met his soulmate, Ruth Goshorn. He and his friends called the wrong room number in a girls’ dorm at Manchester College, and Ruth appeared. He believed this serendipitous meeting was orchestrated by God, and afterward they could not be separated, marrying in June 1967.

In 1970, Jim and Ruth’s family grew when their son, James Bryan, was born. Bryan gave them a daughter by marriage, Amanda, and two extraordinary granddaughters, Allyssa and Addison, as well as one great-granddaughter, Ella, who made Jim incredibly proud to be their grandfather.

After college, Jim became a lifelong learner and perpetual student, continuing his education with graduate school and flying lessons at Marion Municipal Airport. In the years that followed, he earned his private pilot certificate and instrument rating, which he funded by working part-time at the airport on top of his full-time job teaching middle school at McCulloch in Marion--all made possible by Ruth’s unending support.

Jim made a long-term commitment to serving the Marion community when he accepted his first teaching position in 1966. Marion would not just be a stepping-stone; he would set out to be an outstanding community member to his very last day, working the majority of his career for the local school system. He held multiple titles with Marion Community Schools--Teacher (McCulloch), Dean of Boys (McCulloch), Assistant Principal (McCulloch, Marion High School), Principal (McCulloch, Jones)--and was also a regional tech prep coordinator for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and adjunct education professor at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). Jim was instrumental in starting the high school aviation program, which is provided by the Grant County Career Center.

After retiring in 1999 from his career in education, Jim continued giving his time and abilities to the airport, his church, and Gilead Ministries. Mentoring young people was the center of his life’s purpose and calling, but his second passion was aviation. From 1983 to present, Jim served as president of the Marion Municipal Airport Board of Aviation Commissioners, where he was an aviation ambassador to the city and rallied others to make the local airport a point of pride. The airport eventually earned the prestigious Airport of the Year award (2015) and was renamed McKinney Field to honor Jim’s service to the community in 2021. He was also named Person of the Year by Aviation Indiana in November 2022.

Jim had a dry sense of humor. He lit up the room with laughter and will be remembered for his intentionality with the people he met and mentored. Jim also loved meeting his friends for coffee at the airport, fishing, gardening, golfing, and traveling.

In retirement, Jim and Ruth enjoyed wintering in Florida every year, where they appreciated warm weather and fresh seafood. They were also active members of Faith Harvest Church in Marion for many years and considered their faith to be central to more than five happy decades of marriage.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Bryan (Amanda) McKinney; grandchildren, Allyssa (Reid) Cox and Addison McKinney; great-granddaughter, Ella Cox; brother, Bob (Sue) McKinney; and sister-in-law, Betty McKinney.

He wanted everyone to know that the most fulfilling part of his life was his faith and family, and the story to be told is how a small, intentional act of kindness can make a big impact on a young person’s life.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, a service to honor Jim’s life will begin at 11:00 am at North Chapel with Pastor Bill Sparks and Rev. Mitch Norwell co-officiating. An additional hour of visitation will precede the service, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Grant Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to Gilead Ministries or to Grant County Regional Career Center - Aviation Program.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.