James Thomas Kinsey was born on September 19, 1924, in Cartersville, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Friday, November 20, 2015, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 91.

James, the son of Jess Thomas and Gladys Juanita Mitchell Kinsey, was a resident of Meeker.

He was the firstborn of eleven siblings and spent his childhood in Cartersville. In July, 1943, he dropped out of high school and joined the United States Army serving 30 months in the South Pacific Theater. His decorations included an Asian Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, 1 Bronze Service Arrowhead Pacific Theater and a World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in January of 1946. Upon his discharge, James eventually returned home and attended Keota High School graduating with the class of 1949.

Story has it that upon James’ return to high school, he came around a corner and ran into Nina Garten, causing her to drop all of her books. According to Nina, James did not work up enough courage to speak to her for six months, but he confided in his family that he had met the girl he was going to marry. According to James’ mom, when he first proposed to Nina, she just laughed. He did not give up though even after being run off with a shotgun by her dad on several occasions. True love won out and James married Nina on December 25, 1949, at the Rockwood Mission Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. They were the first couple to be married in that little church and were married on Christmas Day because it was the only day the church was free. In October of 1951 and January of 1953, their daughters, Cynthia Ann and Deborah Lynne were born, completing their family. James worked for the Coca Cola Company, but found his niche in retail, working for Woolworth’s, TG&Y and finally Gibson’s Discount Center as an assistant manager. He retired from Gibson’s in February of 1987 at the age of 62.

In 1989, they moved to Meeker, returning to their small town roots. They joined the First Baptist Church and opened Nina’s Movie Center. Both were active in the Chamber of Commerce for many years. James was a Mason and became Worshipful Master in 2003. You could always find him at the monthly fundraiser breakfast. He was also active in the Senior Nutrition Site and was on two bowling teams in Shawnee nine months out of the year. The rest of the time, he enjoyed gardening and taking care of his yard. James loved spending time with his family and was usually present when birthdays and holidays rolled around.

Even though he lost the love of his life years ago, James always spread his philosophy “you just have to keep on going” to everyone he met. He showed all of us his great survival spirit, wonderful work ethic and great sense of humor.

James’ parents, wife and two brothers, Kenneth and Virgil, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his daughter, Cynthia Lincoln of Meeker; caughter and son-in-law, Debbie and John Espen of Newcastle; grandchildren, Briana Kathleen England, James Alan Finch, Alicia Lincoln, Emily McGinnis, Benjamin Lincoln, Angela Thompson, Jennifer Lincoln, Celina Morton and John Espen IV; fourteen great grandchildren; brothers, Barry, Tuffy, Benny and Tom; sisters, Eloise, Flo, Juanita, Peggy and Marlene as well as other family and friends.

Viewing/visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Meeker.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Meeker First Baptist Church in Meeker with Rev. Joe Jones officiating.

Interment will follow at Sunnylane Cemetery in Del City.