James Buckner McKinley Jr.

Jim was born in Panama City, Florida on September 4, 1955, the first child of James and Betty McKinley. The family later moved to Mobile, Alabama where he graduated from Shaw High School (1973). He went on to earn his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Industrial Management from the University of South Alabama (1977).

Upon graduating, Jim moved to Birmingham, beginning his career as a programmer with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, where he would soon be influential at the local, state and national levels, serving on coding standards committees including HIPAA Transactions and Codesets, HIPAA Privacy and Security, HIPAA NPI and recent participation in national industry organizations such as X12, HL7, HITSP, and in NHIN's development. He retired early (2013) from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Sr. Systems Analyst, only to return to the work force in 2018 as a Health Information Technology Consultant with GDH Government Consulting on the Alabama’s One Health Record program, where he remained until he was called home.

Jim's legacy lives on in the hearts of his loved ones. He is survived by his daughters, Meredith (Scott) Burdette and Courtney (Josh) Verner; grandchildren, Cameron Burdette, Corbin Burdette, and Chloe Burdette; former wife, Karen Reeves McKinley; sister, Alicia (Rick) Davis; numerous nieces and nephews; and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. His life became further enriched with partner Janice Lacey, who joins the family in wishing comfort and solace to all who celebrate his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James B. McKinley Sr and Betty H. McKinley.

Jim moved his family in 1988 to Helena, where he became an active member of Helena United Methodist Church serving with the youth ministry, as an audio-visual technician, and worship leader in a music ministry of guitar and vocals. His faith and love of music helped inspire the Buck Creek Gospel Band, later to be joined by daughter Courtney. He was involved in the North Alabama Emmaus Community first as a participant then returning to lead worship and sponsor others on their Walk. His role as a worship leader continued through the years, most recently as a part of the worship team at Lakeview Pelham’s 1st United Methodist Church.

He lived a life filled with caring and purpose, dedicated to family and the broader community.

Jim's family treasured the active role he took in the lives of his grandchildren, in whom he took immense pride. He was their number one fan in any endeavor, whether basketball, volleyball, band or chorale. A leisurely day might find him fishing with them, a pastime he cherished. His passion for photography and family combined to cast him in the role of family photographer, a generational role passed down from his father. Jim Sr. also imparted a love of genealogy which earned them both membership in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

In his earlier years, Jim was active in intramural softball, and would later apply those skills in coaching youth teams for his daughters and their teammates. As a part of the broader community, he served on the Helena Planning and Zoning Commission and took an active role to help organize the Buck Creek Festival for many years. Most generally, he was always ready to help anyone in their time of need.

Our Jim will be remembered for his enormous heart, comforting bear hugs, and the wonderful sense of humor he shared with those around him. He loved each of us, and those who encountered him were warmed by his smile. His is the kind of soul that stays with you forever.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Helena Methodist Church, 2035 County Road 58, Helena, AL 35080. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., and the Celebration of Life Service will begin at 12 noon. The gravesite committal will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124.

In this time of mourning, let us gather to honor Jim's memory, share stories, and find peace amongst the many others who loved and admired him.

Until we are reunited, let us remember Jim not with sorrow but with gratitude for sharing in our lives. May he rest in eternal peace, forever embraced by the love and memories he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, or the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.