Jack was born to his late parents, Winifred (Gallivan) and Thomas P. Kinney, in Morrice, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ava “Jill” Kinney of Sun Lakes, Arizona (2018); his son, a navy veteran, Thomas R. Kinney of East Lansing, Michigan (2018); his only brother and sister-in-law, Thomas D. and Stella Kinney of East Lansing, Michigan. He is survived by six children: Kathleen Lorenz, Kevin (Patty), Tim (Debbie), Nancy (Mark) Twichell, Jane (Patrick) Huber, and John Michael. Also daughter-in-law, Kristin Kinney of East Lansing, Michigan. Nine grandchildren: Erik and Kerry Lorenz; Caitlin and Maureen Kinney; Allison and Jack Kinney; Kurt (Kate), Jay and Shannon Twichell. Twin great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Griffin.
Jack graduated from Morrice High School in 1945, where he was an outstanding student and athlete. He served in the army for two years and utilized the G.I. Bill to attend Michigan State University. As a freshman, he lettered with the Spartan football team, then turned his focus to baseball. Referred to as a power hitter, Jack was named All-American in 1949 as a junior. After graduating in 1950, he played professional ball for the Boston Red Sox organization. Jack had met Jill while they were in college and the couple married in 1951. Within a few years, he was retired from baseball and had moved his growing family to Lansing, Michigan, in order to start his career as a university administrator. At Michigan State, he was appointed Director of Placement Services, then Director of the Alumni Association. Being at the alumni helm for two decades made him a familiar face on and off campus. A favorite role was hosting alumni trips with his wife. Jack developed his golf game during this time and became a successful amateur player.
In 1981, Jack and Jill went west, as he took the position of Director of Alumni Relations for the University of California at Santa Barbara. For a significant period, he dually served as the Interim Athletic Director. In 1990, Jack retired and joined his wife in their newly built home on a golf course in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Part of their family lived nearby in the Phoenix area. Every summer, the couple would spend several weeks in Michigan to see additional family members. Jack gave back to his high school alma mater in the form of scholarships to deserving seniors. He loved all sports and closely followed various teams, a loyal fan to the very end. Golf remained high on his list and he was well-known as an active member of the Cottonwood Men's Golf Association in Sun Lakes.
Jack had many achievements over the course of his long life. He was a proud World War II veteran, talented athlete, respected professional, and a devoted family man. He will be remembered for his kind and generous nature, outgoing and friendly personality, and a great sense of humor. He was admired and loved by his many friends and family, and will be dearly missed.
Memorial Services will be provided by Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler, AZ. on August 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Society of St. Vincent De Paul of Arizona.
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