He was born in Chester, PA and moved to Central Florida in 1955.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was retired from the Wholesale Florist Industry. James was a member of the Pine Castle American Legion and Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Janis Hugill (Kenny) of Orlando; son, Richard McKinney of Orlando; brother, Robert McKinney (Esther) of Delaware; 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.