James Hugh Mckinnis

James(Jim) Hugh McKinnis, age 71, of Walla Walla and formerly of Summerville, Oregon, died September 7, 2008 at Park Manor in Walla Walla. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Summerville Cemetery Chapel in Summerville, Oregon. A private prayer time for family will be at 12:30 at graveside. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon.

Jim was born on August 23, 1937, the son of Donald and Margaret (McCormick) McKinnis in La Grande. He graduated from Imbler High School with the class of 1955 and then attended OIT. He married Gail Roe in 1956. He farmed the family farm for many years, then became sales manager for S&G Machinery in La Grande. He served on the Imbler School Board, was a member of the South Forty Club, the Eagles, the Elks and the Oregon Wheat League. He was also awarded Young Farmer of the Year. His wife, Gail preceded him in death.

On October 20, 1976 he married his wife of 31 years, Shelly Swope in La Grande. They lived in the Kennewick, Kirkland, Federal Way, Montesano; Bozeman, Montana, before settling in Walla Walla in 2003. Over Jim's life he farmed, sold machinery, managed apartments, sold life insurance, worked part time at assorted businesses. He could fix anything from cars to machinery to appliances. He loved helping people and animals. He loved to laugh, tell jokes,travel, have fun and good wine.

Survivors include his wife, Shelly McKinnis of Walla Walla; daughter, Teri Iskra of Hawaii, granddaughter Tanaa and son-in-law Ben Guyer of Olympia, grandson Tristen Maib of Bellevue. He was preceded in death by 2 sons, Steven Patrick and Michael McKinnis, and a baby girl. In lieu of flowers or plants, contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society of Walla Walla or Good Samaritan Ministries in Walla Walla.

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