Virginia McCoy

Virginia “Jinny” Buchanan McCoy, 77, passed away September 8, 2024 at her home in Parkville, Missouri. She was generous, caring, witty, and full of life. When Jinny said she was “in,” she was all in. She led by example and worked tirelessly to make her community a better place. Jinny will be forever remembered for her boundless energy, unwavering selflessness, and the brightness of both her personality and wardrobe.

Jinny was born on December 2, 1946 to John Gardner and Jeanne Bonnet McCoy in Columbus, Ohio. Her energetic spirit and strong work ethic manifested themselves early in life. After graduating from Bexley High School in 1964, she matriculated to Endicott College where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1966. She completed her education at the University of Arizona in 1969 having earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Public Administration.

Jinny moved to Kansas City shortly after graduation and joined B.C. Christopher & Company, where she became a registered trader within two years due in part to her hard work and enthusiasm. After over eight years at B.C. Christopher, Jinny joined Northwestern Mutual Life where she remained for almost 10 years. During this period, Jinny became involved in multiple philanthropic organizations and was instrumental in creating many of the “can’t miss” events on the Kansas City social calendar.

Jinny was among the founders of the Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City, which now boasts a national reputation for excellence. She helped create Jazzoo and served as its Treasurer for three years. Jinny was also an active member and leader of the Junior League, which recognized her contributions in 2016 by awarding her the Junior League Community Service Award. She was a lifelong supporter of education and a patron of the arts, which led her to serve on the Boards of Marietta College, her father’s alma mater, and Park University. Both institutions honored her with achievement awards and honorary degrees.

In 1989, Jinny married William Dick Fickle, Sr. and became a loving stepmother to Tara and Bill Fickle. She moved north of the river to Platte County and brought her infectious energy, style and vibrantly colored wardrobe. She supported many northland organizations including the Platte County Eleemosynary Society, Harvest Ball Society, Park Hill Education Foundation and Northland Community Fund. Jinny joined the Board of the Salvation Army in Kansas City in 2001 and was honored with the William Booth Award in 2014 and the Life Board Member Award in 2024. Jinny was seemingly a 24-hour a day philanthropist, but she leveraged her remarkable organizational skills to always find time for family and friends. She enjoyed competing with friends on the tennis court and golf course, and impressively won several tournaments in both sports with humility. Jinny also never missed a summer in Michigan at her beloved “Doll House,” where she enjoyed hosting friends and family alike, especially her grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Grandma Turtle,” Jinny never missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s plays, school programs, sporting events, and always displayed their art on her refrigerators and walls.

Jinny is survived by brother and sister-in-law John B. and Jane McCoy, stepchildren Tara Bennett and Bill Fickle, grandchildren Elvarea, Ryan and Patrick Bennett, nieces Tracy Gillette and Paige Meuse, and nephew John T. McCoy. In lieu of flowers, Jinny requested that any memorial contributions be made to the following organizations in the hope that more good can be done in our community:

The Salvation Army of Kansas City, 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111

Park University Advancement Department, 8700 NW River Park Dr, Parkville, MO 64152

University Academy, 6801 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131

Marietta College, Advancement Department for the McCoy Scholarships, 215 Fifth St, Marietta, OH 45750

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, 349 E. Main St, PO Box 812, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 2:00PM at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City. Jinny requested that attendees wear bright colors.

Private interment Green Lawn Cemetery.