Jimmy was born in Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia, on September 5, 1940,to the late Annie Laura Blount McKinley and the late James Trice McKinley,Sr. He was born at the home of his grandparents, Susie Trice McKinley andThomas Richmond McKinley located on Tom McKinley Road. Jimmy was asixth-generation descendant of William Trice in Upson County.
Jimmy's early childhood was spent visiting with his maternal grandparents,Etta Hammonds Blount and William Otis Blount at their home on Andrews ChapelRoad. He went hunting and fishing with his grandaddy, helped with farmchores, and loved being outside. Andrews Chapel School became a part of hislife at a very young age. He went there with his grandparents as a littleboy and he made sure it was preserved for future generations.
Jimmy said young people are deprived today because they will never flush acovey of quail while walking in the woods, never see a field of red cloverbeing harvested and bagged, and never get to chase a rabbit in an openfield. These were some of his happiest times as a child.
Jimmy started kindergarten at Ben Hill School. Within in a few years RockHill School was built, and he attended through the 8th grade. He was a1958 graduate of R. E. Lee Institute. He helped organize class reunions andenjoyed reminiscing with former classmates.
In 1973 when his parents retired from operating the cafeteria at WilliamCarter Company, Jimmy took over operation until Carter's closed in 1999. Inaddition to the cafeteria, he and his father worked a 400-acre cattleoperation on Andrews Chapel Road. When his father retired from the farm,Jimmy continued and with Alicia operated the farm until it was sold in 1985.In 1998, Jimmy decided to run for Upson County Tax Commissioner. He gavethe taxpayers 100% of his time while working to improve the integrity of theoffice. After six years, he decided his work was completed and he"officially" retired when his term expired in 2004.
For many years, Jimmy and Glenda rode many miles in the Southeastern U.S. toestate sales and auctions in search of something unique or something tied toUpson County. Jimmy collected over 250 pieces of Jugtown Pottery and about20 pieces of homemade primitive furniture made in Upson County. Jimmy alsoacquired a collection of Upson County artifacts including old letterheadfrom businesses back into the 1850's and Upson County Peach Labels. Thesewill be among items donated to Thomaston-Upson Archives and Upson HistoricalSociety in addition to other items that have already been donated to theArchives and Historical Society for generations to enjoy. Jimmy had apassion for Upson County History and would go to great lengths to bring anitem back to Upson County for preservation.
Jimmy maintained the Andrews Chapel School for many years as a tribute tothe Blount Family and the Andrews Chapel Community. He gave tours to schoolchildren about early education in Upson County. He donated the schoolbuilding and contents to Upson County in 2018 for preservation. His familyis still active in the ongoing preservation.
He served as president of Upson Historical Society for two years. It waswhile he was president that the board of UHS learned the Harrison MemorialLibrary building was available, and along with others of like mind, theboard met with Upson County Board of Commissioners, Thomaston City Counciland the Thomaston-Upson Board of Education to present a proposal for anArchives. All of these entities agreed to establish the Archives whichofficially opened on October 10, 1996. Jimmy served on the Upson HistoricalBoard and the Archives Records Advisory Board for many years. In 2021,Jimmy was honored by the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce with theirLifetime Achievement Award.
After retiring from the Tax Office, Jimmy was proud of his part in workingwith the Upson Historical Society for several years to help organize andprint Upson County-A Pictorial History in 2009. For the 50th anniversary ofUHS, Jimmy conducted tours of Upson County. The tours consisted of 25historical sites across Upson County. This was a learning experience forlifelong residents who had no idea these locations existed.
In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his sister, BeckyMcKinley McDaniel, sister-in-law, Bobbie S. Elliott, and brothers-in-lawCarlton H. McDaniel, Ronald E. Salter, Bruce Howell, Joe Phelps and WayneElliott. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Glenda Salter McKinley,daughter, Laura Alicia McKinley, sisters, Linda McKinley Jones and CindyMcKinley (Greg) Culverhouse; sisters-in-law: Sylvia S. Howell, Carlene S.Phelps, Dianne S. (Ben) Boatright. (Sylvia S. Ivie; many nieces andnephews, and his furry companion, Mama Oreo. The family would like to thankJimmy's caregiver, Jessica Tigner, for her kindness and compassion whilealso making him laugh.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be madeto Upson Historical Society - Andrews Chapel Fund, PO Box 363, Thomaston, GA30286, or to Thomaston Hospice Foundation, 512 South Center St., Thomaston,GA 30286.
Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences andremembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.
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