James H. Kinney

James Harold Kinney, 73, was born in Lincoln, on March 20, 1944. He died on November 12, 2017. His parents were Harry and LaVerne Kinney. After high school Jim enlisted in the Navy serving four years in NYC. He then enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard and graduated Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga., in 1973. He served in numerous capacities at the NANG including, TAC officer in the OCS program, company commander, senior TAC officer and operations officer. In 1989-1993 he was assigned as commandant of the NANG Military Academy in Ashland. He retired in March 1994 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. In May of 1973 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from UNL. He earned his master's degree in industrial technology from UNL in 1976. He taught industrial technology at Lincoln Southeast High School for 28 years. Jim contracted and built custom homes in, and around, the Lincoln area for many years. He served four years under a gubernatorial appointment on the Nebraska Commission on drugs. He served on the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Jaycees during the 1970's. He earned his private pilot's license and flew various small aircraft for a number of years. He studied beekeeping and raised bees alongside his grandson, Brock. After retiring 18 years ago, he divided his time between his home in Denton and his home in Kona, Hawaii. His love for travel took him and Linda to places near and far, and to all ends of the earth. Jim loved his family with his entire heart and he loved teaching everyone he encountered. He loved learning himself, was very mechanically gifted and helped countless friends over the years. He lived a life full of love and enthusiasm and his favorite motto, “Everyday's Christmas!” Survivors include his beloved wife, Linda, to whom he was married for 51 years. Son, Scott (Katya) of Kona, Hawaii; daughter, Kristin (Micah) of Denton; grandchildren, Brock, Addison, Lily, Ember, Hazel of Denton and Emma of Kona, Hawaii; his sister, Judy McCall, of Phoenix, Ariz.; brothers-in-law, Dean (Tura) of Raytown, Mo., Gib (Marci) of Lincoln, nieces and nephews, Deana, Craig (deceased) Doug, Sue, Matt, Ryan. His dear “adopted daughter, Paola, from Naples, Italy, and many other dear friends.