James Taylor McKinney

August 17, 1934 - November 13, 2017

James Taylor McKinney, the ever dreaming and creative man of many words and great pontifications, passed away in his home surrounded by those who loved him. Jim was born August 17, 1934 in Detroit, MI to Thurmond and Eunice McKinney. He graduated from Detroit Cooley High School and attended Wayne State University. Jim also served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Besides family, Jim’s greatest passion was the theatrical arts. His eloquent interpretation of the human existence will forever be his written legacy. We will remember the stores he told and the many ways the words within his writing entertained, for he chose a life centered around writing, directing, and producing theatrical performances across the United States. In addition to the theatrical arts, we share the memories of Broadway, New York living, the Detroit Lions and Tigers, camping, road trips, “unique” food, and a good still dry gin martini up. As part of his community legacy, he founded the Writer’s Group at the Charlevoix Public Library and in lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be made to the Ruth Schofield McKinney Memorial Fund through the Charlevoix Community Foundation which funds music education for Charlevoix Public Schools. Jim is survived by his daughters Amy (Tim) Wieland, Ellen (John) Hess, Jamie (Bill) Rosinski; and granddaughter Isabella Taylor-Marie Roberts. He is preceded in death by his parents Thurmond and Eunice McKinney. Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.