James E. McKinney, Jr.

Mr. James E. McKinney, Jr., 60, died Thursday, March 25, 2021 in his home in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

In accordance with James’s wishes, his cremation in Rosehill Crematory, Linden, was private.  On Friday, May 14^th. at 10:45AM family and friends will gather directly at the mausoleum chapel in Graceland Memorial Park Cemetery in Kenilworth, where a celebration of life and the prayers of committal will be offered at 11:00AM, followed by the inurnment of James’s cremains in the family crypt.

James, the son of the late Joan Pryor McKinney and James E. McKinney, Sr., was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Later in his adult years, James lived in Rahway and Roselle, both in New Jersey, before returning to his roots in Elizabeth.

After graduating high school, James served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy from 1978 to 1981.

James had been employed as a boiler operator/HVAC technician for over twenty years.  He worked for various companies and industries, among them, St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, Continental Airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport & L’Oreal in Clark.

In his free time, James enjoyed saltwater fishing and watching professional football teams/games, especially his NY Giants.  James’ passion also involved gardening.  His vegetable garden last year was beyond outstanding.  Without a doubt, James certainly had two green thumbs!

James is survived by his daughter, Megan McKinney; his father, James E. McKinney, Sr., and his wife, Joan; his sister, Patricia McKinney Sorrento and her husband, Frank and Maureen Scharfenberg and her husband, James; his two nieces, Jenna and Shannon; his nephew, Ryan; his great niece, Carmela and his former wife, Kathy McKinney.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.