James "Jimmy" Alfred Kinsey

Jimmy passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 72 after a battle with Parkinson’s.

Born into a huge family on June 19, 1954, Jimmy is the 2nd of 11 children. His family moved around a lot when he was a child, living in numerous cities in Texas, Arizona, and Florida.

In the early 1970's, Jimmy met Karen in Smithville, TX and on June 15, 1974 (4 days before his 20th birthday), they married. In August of 1977, their family expanded when their daughter, Laura was born. Two years later, in December of 1979, Karen gave birth to their son, Marcus.

Jimmy became a licensed plumber in the early 1970's, and quickly learned the trade. He continued to work as a plumber through the '70's, but in the '80's he wanted to try something new. He became crane operator and an iron worker. When he wasn't working, Jimmy played drums for multiple bands. He very much enjoys music and often DJ'd for parties and clubs. Jimmy also enjoyed working on cars or basically anything motorized.

In the late 1980's, Jimmy and Karen moved to Arkansas, where he opened an automotive repair shop with his brother-in-law. After only a year, they decided to move back to Texas. After returning to Texas, Jimmy and Karen decided to settle in Smithville. Jimmy worked at a Marine Fabricator company where he rose through the ranks becoming a Plant Manager.

In the 1990's, the opportunity to move to Marble Falls, TX and take over his uncle's plumbing business arose. Jimmy and Karen decided to take the leap and move. In 1994, Jimmy started J & M Kinsey Plumbing, a family-run business. Jimmy became a Master Plumber and taught his son, Marcus, the plumbing trade. Karen and Laura worked in the office. Marcus took over the business when Jimmy retired in 2023.

In the 2000's, outside of working as a plumber, Jimmy continued his hobbies of playing drums, DJing, and working on cars. A new hobby began shortly after Marcus got his driver's license, racing. Jimmy built racecars with Marcus for Marcus to drive. They continued racing cars for a few years; but after moving to Marble Falls, TX, Jimmy and Marcus fell in love with drag boat racing and so did the rest of the family. Jimmy became owner/crew chief of the Bad Company Race Team. Marcus drove multiple boats and won numerous races and also a few championships all under Jimmy's guidance. In 2018, Jimmy's grandson, Dylan began driving a boat, too. Jimmy continued to learn all he could and made sure to pass on his knowledge, always offering his help to anyone. Today his legacy continues with Marcus as crew chief and Dylan as driver.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Karen Kinsey, daughter Laura Kinsey, son, Marcus Kinsey (wife Nikki), grandson Dylan Crownover (wife Elicia), granddaughter Kylee Kinsey and great-granddaughter Ensley. Also, two half-sisters - April Finney and Debbie May; five brothers - Wayne (Pete) Kinsey, Gary Kinsey (wife Jackie), Brian (Rusty) Kinsey, Ronnie Kinsey (wife Amber), Kenneth Kinsey (wife Debra); three sisters – Rebecca Kinsey, Tina Samples (husband David), Pam Wong (husband David) with 22 nieces and nephews and 30 great-nieces and nephews along with 1 great-great nephew, Blayze and 1 great-great niece, Goldie. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Lela Faye Kinsey, brothers David and Michael, and infant sister Tammy Kaye.