Jim O. McKinley, 81, of Jeromesville, OH, passed away peacefully at his home on August 24, 2020. Public Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 29,2020 at Jeromesville Cemetery. Jim was born March 6, 1939 in Jeromesville, OH to Earl “Mac” McKinley and Anna May Newmyer McKinley. He graduated from Jeromesville High School in 1957. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ashland College in 1961, while starring on the baseball field as a pitcher. He later achieved his master’s degree from West Virginia University and took additional education classes at Kent State University.
Jim was married to his loving wife, Wilma Smith McKinley, on November 23, 1958 at Mohicanville Community Church. He began his teaching career at Jeromesville High School, then also spent time at Hillsdale High School, Wayne County Career Center as a teacher and then assistant director. He was a Director and Superintendent at Ashland County West Holmes Career Center, then Superintendent at Hillsdale High School. After retiring from Hillsdale, he worked as an interim Superintendent at Wynford Local Schools and worked for the Tri County Educational Service Center.
Jim was a member of Mohicanville Community Church, where he served in many leadership roles on the board of consistory, preparing and serving communion, and welcoming church members and guests as an usher. He enjoyed listening to his favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art” and especially loved his daughter Karla playing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” on the piano.
One of Jim’s greatest joys in life was watching his daughters, granddaughters, grandson, and great granddaughters play sports. He was always complimentary, but always had a bit of wisdom to improve their game. His sports knowledge and achievements were recognized in 1994, when we was inducted into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame.
He loved to travel and camp in his motorhome. His family took many trips out west and to the southeast, along with a trip of a lifetime when they drove to Alaska. Many memories with family were created while on the highway in the motorhome or at a campground.
Jim is survived by his wife, Wilma Smith McKinley, his daughter’s Karla Fulk (Max) and Tonya Fulk (Dan) of Jeromesville, 5 grandchildren Lynnette Cowger (Robert), Jessica Koval (Tom), Kimberly Starkey (Kevin), Hannah Moore (Ryan), Zachary Fulk, and 11 great grandchildren Jillian, Ella, and Megan Cowger, Janelle, Madonna, Maria, and Kannon Koval, Kadin, Kamryn, and Koltin Starkey, and Daniel Ryan (DJ) Moore.
Memorial donations can be made in Jim’s name to Mohicanville Community Church at 343 St. Rt. 95, Loudonville, OH 44864 or to the Hillsdale Athletic Boosters General Fund, in care of Hillsdale High School, 485 Twp. Rd. 1902, Jeromesville, OH 44840.
Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville assisted the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.
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