James L. McKinley, 80, of Bellefonte passed away at Centre Care, where he was a long-time resident due to complications from Guillain-Barre Syndrome Sunday, August 21, 2022. Jim was born in Bellefonte on June 7, 1942, the son of the late Gilbert A. and Margaret L. (Woodring) McKinley. Jim is survived by his two sons, Steven J. McKinley of State College and Jeffry L. (Jennifer) McKinley of Howard and his daughter, Robin M. (Greg) Erb of Beavertown.; his two grandchildren, Garrett M.(Deidre) Zubler and Kady J. McKinley; step-grandchildren Hannah and Jessica Guisewhite, and step-great-grandchild Kayce Hosterman; his siblings, Maxine L. Summerson of Lemont, Sue E. (Chuck) Porter of Pleasant Gap, Nancy C. (John) Yecina of Snow Shoe, Marcie E. Bathurst of Muncy and Larry (Tina) McKinley of Bellefonte. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond G. McKinley, Ronald C. McKinley and his sister Hazel I. McKinley.
He was a lab technician at Cannon Instrument Company before his retirement. He was a graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School.
Jim was a life member of the Advent Historical Society, Bellefonte Undine Fire Company; he volunteered for the Advent Cemetery and Bald Eagle Valley Community UMC. He was affiliated with Milesburg Presbyterian Church, Greater Buffalo Valley UMC and Bald Eagle Valley Community UMC. He enjoyed hunting and being at camp. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, writing poetry and helping others. Jim and Paul Funk, Jr. wrote Faith, Angels and Overcoming GBS: The Jim McKinley Story based on his life experiences due to this illness. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the care provided from the staff at Centre Care.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 6 P. M. – 8 P. M. at The Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc. 201 Spring St., Milesburg. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 2 P. M. at the Bald Eagle Valley Community United Methodist Church, 111 Runville Road, Bellefonte with Rev. Dr. Nancy Hale, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Advent Historical Society P. O. Box 983, Milesburg, PA 16853 or to Strawberry Fields, Inc. 3054 Enterprise Drive, State College, PA 16801.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 201 Spring Street, Milesburg. Online condolences may be made at www.deankwetzlerfuneralhome.com.