Jim Robert McKinney's Obituary
James (Jim) Robert McKinney, 76, of Bixby, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa.
Born on March 3, 1949, to Leroy and Flora Mae (Cooper) McKinney, Jim was a proud graduate of Owasso High School's Class of 1967, where he played basketball for the Owasso Rams. His lifelong passion for automobiles began early when, at just 16 years old, he rebuilt the engine of his 1959 DeSoto.
Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy, continuing a proud family tradition established by his father and followed by his brother, Wayne. Jim worked in Intelligence and attended the Navy College program for cryptography, despite his initial plans to study architecture and drafting. His naval career took him to Alaska, Pensacola, and Scotland, where he met the mother of his children, Carol Frater.
After his military service, Jim settled in Tulsa and built a successful career in accounting, working for a trucking company, PepsiCo, HUB Tool Company, and Oklahoma Methodist Manor before retiring as controller at Carr and Carr legal firm. He took great pride in his professional accomplishments and strong work ethic.
Jim and Carol raised his two sons, Ross and Kevin, in Bixby, where Jim was known for his fun-loving nature, dad jokes, and DIY skills. He created countless memories with his boys through day trips to parks and lakes, playing sports, science-fiction movies, music, and visits to Bell's Amusement Park. His home was always well-maintained thanks to his hard work fixing anything that needed repair, and passed his love for cars and music on to his boys.
In the early 2000's, Jim reconnected with his Owasso high school sweetheart, Susan Sharpe. The couple eloped to Eureka Springs on February 23, 2002, beginning a loving marriage that lasted until his passing.
Throughout his life, Jim remained passionate about cars, particularly his beloved Pontiacs that he drove for over 40 years. He was an avid NASCAR and NHRA fan, collected model cars, and cheered enthusiastically for OU Sooner football. He maintained an impressive record collection and always invested in quality stereo equipment.
Jim is survived by his wife, Susan; sons Ross McKinney and wife Anessa, and Kevin McKinney and wife Leslie, grandchildren Kaitlynn, Nathan, Lyric, and Briar; stepchildren Jama Cooper and husband Clay, Scott Sharpe and wife Stephanie Danziger; and step-grandchildren Kylee, Christopher, Jenisen, Lilyan, Mallory, Annika, and Izzy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wayne McKinney.
The family will receive visitors from 6-8 PM Tuesday in the Parlor Room of the funeral home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 PM Wednesday, April 23, at the First Methodist Church in Bixby. Interment with U.S. Navy military honors will follow at Floral Haven at 2:30.
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