James Sterling Kinney Sr of Cleveland Missouri passed away May 24, 2026. Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church, 420 W. Main, Cleveland Missouri from 10:00-11:00 am followed by the funeral services, Saturday, May 30, 2026. Burial will be at Belton Cemetery, located in Belton, Missouri at 12:30 pm.

Jim was born November 18,1938 in Clinton, Missouri. Son of Dewey F. Kinney and Opal F. Kinney. Jim married Deanna Marie Hockett on February 28, 1960 and was married for 57 years before losing Deanna in an Automobile accident in May 2017. Jim remarried Ruth (Odom) Zimmerman on November 18, 2018. Jim and Ruth continued to make their home in Cleveland until Ruth’s passing in February 2026. Jim spent most of his married life in the Cleveland, Missouri community where he was active in the local Lion’s Club for many years contributing numerous hours of time and effort, Cleveland Baptist Church, and the Western Cass Fire Department also contributing many hours to the organization. Jim Worked as a computer programmer becoming head of computer operation for the Department of Agriculture for over 30 years before retiring. Jim also was a member of the United States Air Force for 22 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Jim loved golfing, pitching horseshoes, and bowling with his brother, kids, and grandkids. Jim was a member of the Missouri Horseshoe Pitchers Association for 20 years pitching competitively well into his seventies. Two of Jim’s proudest accomplishments were pitching 70 ringers out of 100 shoes and getting a hole in one while golfing with his brother Ed.

Jim loved all his family. Jim is preceded in death by his parents (Dewey and Opal Kinney), sister (Donna Scarpetta), brother (Ed Kinney), son (Robert M. Kinney), wife of 57 years (Deanna M Kinney), wife of 8 years (Ruth Zimmerman Kinney), and granddaughter (Stacy)

Surviving are his children, James Jr (Beth), Raymond (Debra), Tom (Bonnie deceased), Deborah Hamilton (Jeff) and Stepdaughter Lori Evans (Richard). Daughter-in-law (Robert’s wife Cindy). 8 grandchildren (James (JR), JacqueLyn, Christopher, Samantha, Andrea, Anthony, Brittney, and Randy). Many Step grandchildren. Many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Jim will be missed by all his friends and family