MCKINLEY, James (Jim)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Friday, April 4, 2003 James "Jim" McKinley, age 74, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday March 21, 2003. Jim was born to Joe & Margaret McKinley in Chariton, IA on July 9, 1928. He moved to Tucson, AZ in 1953 where he worked as a mechanical draftsman until he relocated to Phoenix, AZ; he also did structural steel drafting for Garland Steel, where he became acquainted with William Rood, the inventor & manufacturer of a cotton harvester. Jim worked on the Rood project for many years and became vice-president of the company until 1983. He then worked for the Schuff Steel Company doing structural steel drafting until his retirement in 1989 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Jim lived in Tempe, AZ for 24 years and leaves his wife, Betty; daughters: Eileen Sackman (Steve) of Poulsbo, WA, Christa Kent (Steve) of Tempe, AZ and Julie Schultz (Rolf) of LaMesa CA; step-daughter, Lisa Williams of Riverside, CA; and stepson, Steve Robertson of Victoria, WA. Jim is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. He is greatly missed by his family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 4, 2003 at 11am at Bethany Community Church, 6240 S. Price Rd., Tempe, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson's Foundation, 222 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix AZ 85013 or Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Ave., Suite A-100, Phoenix AZ 85021. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.