James L. McKinney

James Leroy McKinney passed away on December 13, 2021 in Ocean Springs, MS at the age of 87.

He was born on December 1, 1934 in Springfield, MO to Cletus and Beulah McKinney. He graduated from Amory High School and continued his education at Mississippi State University. He met Sarah Lee Gallop at a football game (opposing teams), and she would become his wife and together they moved to Pascagoula, MS to start their family. They were blessed with three children, Jan, Patty and James. Mr. McKinney worked on the railroad and then for Ingalls Shipbuilding. He was a charter member of First Baptist Church of Pascagoula. He enjoyed woodworking and chess, both of which he loved.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah and a daughter, Janet Hassell.

He is survived by two children, Patty O’Flynn (John) and James D. McKinney (Stephanie) ; 11 grandchildren, Jessica Smith ( Joey),  Amanda O’Flynn,  Jonicca Allen ( Kaden) , Austin O’Flynn,  Alex Hassell (Tammy), Anna Patrick (Warren), Heather Barattini, Connor Kincaid, Riley Kincaid (Hannah), Madison Kincaid,  and Monica Barba; 13 great-grandchildren, Marquis, Alexis, Kane, Luis , Riley, Victoria, Kaden, Joseph, Gregory, Gwendolyn, Alexander, Lulianna, Olivia and one , great great-grandchild, Luis Jr.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021, at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home Gautier from 4:00-5:00pm with the funeral service to follow in the chapel.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in his memory to a local church, nonprofit organization, or military chapter. Condolences may be expressed online at www.obryantokeefe.com

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