A special memorial service for Jim will be held this Saturday, November 22nd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jim’s hangar at LMO. Please feel free to stop by, this service is open to all airport tenants and friends of Jim. Dress is informal.
Jim H. McKinstry died peacefully in his home in Longmont, CO on November 13, 2014 at the age of 73.
Jim is survived by his wife Lynda McKinstry; children, Jim D. McKinstry and wife Serena; Tama McKinstry Anderson and husband Eric; grandchildren, Danika Anderson, Keggan Anderson, Tessa Anderson, Kilton Anderson, Colton Hogy, Parker Hogy and Ashtyn McKinstry; sister-in-law, Karen Jameson Edminston; nieces, Robyn Jameson Edson, Shana Riley and Sharon Lowden and nephew, Ken Lowden. He is preceded in death by father, Daniel McKinstry, mother, Jean McKinstry, sister, Diane Lowden and brother-in-law Art Louden and mother-in-law, Doris Jones and father-in-law, Billy Jones.
Jim was born on October 19, 1941 in Boston, MA to Jean and Daniel McKinstry. He grew up in South Bridge, MA. He started flying, privately, in 1955. He enlisted in the Navy in 1959 and his branch of service was US Navy Aircraft and Engine Mechanic.
He graduated from Mary E. Wells High School and Oklahoma State University. Soon after, he married Lynda Louise Jones on August 29, 1963 in the First Baptist Church in Ardmore, OK. Jim began working for United Airlines as a pilot in 1964 which extended into a 38 year career with the company and ended in retirement in 2001.
Jim was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013, an honor that few have received. He belonged to the IAC, EAA, AOPA, Warbirds of America, Colorado Antique Club of America, Aerobatic Club of America, UAL ALPA, CAP, Chipmunk Club, YAK, RUPA, ICAS, and Colorado Aviation Historical Society.
Jim was a skilled air show pilot, aerobatics pilot, and a race pilot at the Reno Air Races in which he won first place in the Unlimited Bronze category. He loved farming at his Rancho de Aereo private air strip and spending time with this wife, children and grandchildren.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for 1:00-4:00pm on Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 at Vance Brand Airport, Hangar #5, in Longmont, CO. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life with his family, casual attire preferred.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the J. H. McKinstry Aviation Scholarship Fund address: Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry Street, Longmont, CO 80501. The family would like to thank Halcyon Hospice for their efforts, care, and dedication. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.