Search by Name

Search by Name

James McKinney Obituary

James "Jim" R. McKinney will forever ride in peace; he passed on May 6, 2011 with family at his side. Jim is survived by his wife and soul mate, of 21 years, Sheryl; his daughter, Savannnah Carleton McKinney and two grandsons, Aiden and Sawyer, the light of his life. Jim was born in Rifle, Colorado and grew up in Pueblo, Colorado. After high school he joined the US Navy and was a Viet Nam vet. Jim and Sheryl were the owner's of "Jim & I's Star Bar" in Colorado Springs and at Fillmore, Nevada, where they enjoyed good times, good friends and many great memories. He was a lifelong Harley rider who enjoyed many years riding with friends, including trips to Daytona and Sturgis. Jim's other loves were playing his guitar and being a devoted "Papa" to his beloved grandchildren. After moving to Arizona in 1996 with his wife and daughter, he became a truck driver, then a mail carrier in Cottonwood. He was a founding charter member of the American Legion Riders of the Verde Valley, Cottonwood Post#25. Jim also held the office of 2nd Vice Commander of Post#25. Jim will be remembered and honored as a kind, fair, and loving man. Always able to make someone smile. He was a big teddy bear to his daughter, a jungle gym to his grandsons, and best friend to his wife. Memorial services are to be 4:00PM Saturday, May 21st at the American Legion Post #25, 480 South Calvary Way, Cottonwood, AZ 86326. All are welcomed that loved and cared for him. Please share your condolences and sign a guestbook at www.buelerfamilyfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on May 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James McKinney

Not sure what to say?





Terri Paquette

June 7, 2011

You will be missed. I know God has taken another one of the greats to be an angel. My thoughts, prayers and love to Cheryl and family.

bill borders

May 24, 2011

brother we owner together we rode together and we will be reunited together hold my place till i see you again say hello to all our brothers abd sisters,bill borders western omelette sheryl and savanna our love and respect to you and family

Cousin Kelli Cummer

May 21, 2011

We say goodbye to another gentle spirit in our family, Jim you will be missed and I will always remember you as being one of my favorite rough, tough, leather wearin', Harley ridin', did it YOUR WAY, kind of a guy. You communicated more with the hugs you gave than in the words you spoke to me. It always brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.
Without fail, since I was a child, it always gave me pause how getting a hug from Jim was like what hugging a giant teddy bear should feel like. The twinkle in his eyes was not always a surefire, telltale way of knowing he was up to no good... (and very well might not've been ;-), most of those sparkles simply revealed some of his beauty within. His grandson's Aiden and Sawyer loved him with all their little hearts could stand. Sheryl supported and loved him in ways few people, let alone wives, would. I am in aw of you, my dear. Savannah you've been a good and loyal daughter. I know he loved and appreciated you all so much, even when he couldn't express it. It'll be hard for any of us to not smile when we think of him. Jim, I'm sorry to see you go, but I take comfort in the peace that you may now know. Keep on riding, Jim. With all my heart, RIP I love you.

carolyn McKone

May 19, 2011

Sheryl and Savannah, We love you both and hope the memories you recall in the next few days, months and years will warm your heart. I know Jim will continue to be there with you in your thoughts. Love Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Mal

Marcia Gillis

May 19, 2011

Sheryl, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Keep his memories close to your heart where they will always be. Love, Marcia & Steve

Wanda Ray

May 17, 2011

To Sheryl and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your love and soulmate. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wanda Ray and Jeremy Gardner

Sue McIntosh

May 16, 2011

To my favorite brother in law, ride in peace. To my sister, I love you, I am so privileged to have been part of your life together right up to the end. To my niece, Savannah, I love you, you will always in my heart be my first baby girl. Adien & Sawyer you are forever in Papa's heart.

patricia luttig

May 16, 2011

wishing i could be with u.all my love and respect. Dedee

Kat Fessel

May 16, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Sheryl and family. So glad I got to see you one more time. Ride the wind, Jim!

taz

May 15, 2011

keep the shinny side up ride free and long in the sky
Through the clouds

monica hilton

May 15, 2011

MUCH LOYALTY,LOVE and RESPECT

Deborah Johnson

May 15, 2011

My thoughts are with the family, rest in peace Jim and forever ride in the wind.

May 15, 2011

my prayers are with you . and the family at least we have our fond memories. kristi & wirebrush

May 15, 2011

Jim was always a gentleman and a dear friend,and fun part of our lives. Miss Geri and family

you will be forever missed but your memories are a heart within

shelly voorhes

May 14, 2011

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in James McKinney's name

Memorial Events
for James McKinney

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James McKinney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more