James Rayburn McKinney

James R. McKinney, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Saturday, July 25, 2020. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Hattie and James “Mac” McKinney, Sr. and brother William S. McKinney. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda (Rhoden) McKinney, four daughters, Dawn (Randall) Livingston, Meredith (Andrew) Ruffner, Blair Giannamore (Todd), and Jamie McKinney (Ed) Hogg, ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Jim was born September 26, 1935 in Jenkins, Kentucky. He was a 1954 graduate of Chattanooga High School and received his B.S. from the University of Chattanooga in 1959 where he served as president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He had a long career in the textile industry and retired from McKinney Thread Company. He married the love of his life, Linda Rhoden, on April 23, 1960 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They raised four beautiful daughters together, and shared a life full of love, laughter, and service to God and community. As an athlete, Jim enjoyed football, golfing, hiking, and especially tennis with his doubles partner, Linda. Affectionately known as “Pop”, Jim loved dogs, enjoyed bird watching, and relished the time he spent in the mountains. He was his daughters’ greatest cheerleader; never missing a game, track meet, swim meet, pageant, play, or performance of any kind. He served as officers for Signal Mountain schools’ PTA and Green Giants swim club and was known as an adored t-ball and softball coach. Saved in 1954 at a Billy Graham crusade in Chattanooga, Jim was a committed christian serving as a faithful church and choir member, as well as Sunday school teacher. He was known for opening his home for Bible studies and fellowship, encouraging his daughters in their own faith, and reaching others in a deep and positive way. He enjoyed singing and seemed to have a relevant song for any occasion. His family and friends are forever grateful for the legacy of love and encouragement he leaves behind. Most recently, he faithfully attended First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga and enjoyed the senior group “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The family extends their gratitude to the pastors and members of First Presbyterian Church, as well as the staff of Ascension Living on Signal Mountain, for the outpouring of love, encouragement, and support shown throughout Jim’s illness. Family, friends, and others whose lives Jim touched are invited to a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, at 2:00 on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Social distancing and CDC Covid-19 measures will be respectfully adhered to. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church https://1stpresbyterian.com/ or Bible in the Schools https://www.bibleintheschools.com Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 (423) 877-3524 lanefh.com