James R. McKinney

Chief Master Sergeant James R. McKinney, USAF, Retired, 91, of Jonesboro, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born September 15, 1935 in Pocahontas to the late Russell and Alma McKinney.

James proudly served 25 years in the United States Air Force and retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his military career, he completed tours around the world, including Vietnam, Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

After retirement, he and his wife settled in Jonesboro, the area where their families lived. James returned to ASU to complete his master’s degree. He enjoyed being an active member of the Jonesboro Kiwanis for 41 years, serving several times as president and being named Kiwanian of the Year. He also attended several international conferences.

James served as a volunteer firefighter in Farville for several years, then in Brookland for many more. His accolades are too many to list, but those who knew and loved him will agree that he was a wonderful man and will be missed.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by two brothers, Jesse and Doyle McKinney; his beloved wife of 50 years, Martha (Nell); his precious daughter, Cathy Bittancourt; and his great-grandson, Andrew Bittancourt, who was gone too soon.

Survivors include his daughter, Letitia (Danny) Thomas of Arkansas; his “Lucky 7” grandchildren, Jeff (Karen) Bittancourt of California, Steven (Heather) Henderson of Arkansas, CSM William (Jennifer) Henderson of Tennessee, James Bittancourt of Minnesota, Jason (Mistie) Bittancourt of Colorado, and Shaena Gibson of Arkansas; his “Terrific 10” great-grandchildren, Kiersten, Elise, Braelyn, Paiton, Kinley, Jake, Dalton, Janelle, Melanie, and Addilyn; his sisters, June Kelm of Texas, Joan Sellers of Arkansas, and Beth (Larry) Garner of Arkansas; brother-in-law, Doug (Wilma) Greeno of Arkansas; sister-in-law, Geneva Roberds Matlock of Arkansas; and numerous nephews, nieces, and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be Monday, October 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Dave Mckinney officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. With active pallbearers being his grandsons and nephew, Chuck Dale.

Honorary pallbearers include members of the Brookland Fire Department and Jonesboro Kiwanis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kiwanis Scholarship Fund, the Brookland Fire Department or the American Cancer Society.