James Perry McKinney lived a life that left everyone around him better than he found them. The definition of a great man, whose character allowed him to teach and lead his family with wisdom, love and compassion. His patience would turn a mistake into a lesson, and he was fascinated by the power of learning. He was always eager to teach to anyone with the drive to learn. As his grandson Shane Bankston says, “He always believed in us before we believed in ourselves.”

Pawpaw was consistently dependable and capable. With him, it felt like nothing was impossible. He had a way of making you believe that any problem could be solved, any challenge could be overcome, and any dream was worth pursuing. An extraordinary life, lived by an extraordinary man.

Born on May 24, 1944, in McComb, MS to R. E. McKinney and Ethel Allen McKinney, he grew up in Chatawa, Mississippi, in a beautiful country home. He fell in love with Elizabeth Ann Martin, and they married on September 12, 1964. Together, brick by brick and piece by piece, over those nearly sixty-two years, they built a wonderful life. He was a provider in so many ways. There was never an obstacle he couldn’t overcome. His determination let him hitchhike to university every week, take flight lessons while still in school for engineering, work the cattle every weekend and somehow still found time to build and fix everything around him--all while making every member of his family feel special and wanted. His accomplishments are vast.

Captain Perry McKinney joined the U.S. Army in 1967 in the Corp of Engineers and later transitioned to Aviation as a pilot, courageously serving two combat tours in Vietnam as a Master Army Aviator, the highest rating awarded by the U.S. Army to a pilot. He was once asked what he flew over there, and he responded, “I flew every damn thing they had.” He was a genuine American hero who risked his life to save others. Following the war, he enlisted in the U.S. National Guard retiring as a CW4. After 29 years of service, he retired as a heavily decorated veteran with a remarkably distinguished record.

Perry loved to fly and went to work for PHI and then Chevron as a Senior Pilot. It is estimated that he has over 20,000 flight hours. He ultimately retired from Chevron as the Operations Manager for the entire Chevron aviation fleet.

Pawpaw Perry died at his home on July 27, 2026, surrounded by his entire family after suffering from an illness for 5 months. He was never alone. His wife, Liz; daughter Evelyn; son David; and daughter-in-law Christi, lovingly cared for him around the clock. Their dedication to him allowed his final days to be full of love, comfort and peace. Over this time, the hundreds of memories and stories shared by his family show their immense love and respect for a wonderful man. His quiet humor, brilliant mind and unmistakable wisdom passed on to three generations of people who adored him. As his son David says, to truly capture him, “I would need to write a book.”

He is proceeded in death by his parents, R.E. and Ethel McKinney. He leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth Ann McKinney, his daughter, Evelyn Pigott (Joey), his sons; James Perry McKinney II (Dawn), David McKinney (Christi), and Carl McKinney; his grandchildren; Shane Bankston, Kelly Morgan, James Perry McKinney III, Preston McKinney, Jordan Jackson, Jaide Brizzard, and Mac McKinney; and eight great grandchildren from six months to eleven years old.

He made the world a better place simply by being the best he could be. In doing so, he became a blessing to everyone whose life he touched. “Thank you, Pawpaw, for a lifetime of protection, unforgettable stories, and unconditional love. You will live on in every single one of us” – Jaide. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that every lesson you taught, every story you told, and every life you shaped ensures that a part of you will always remain with us. You are deeply loved, profoundly missed and always in our hearts.

Military services and memorial are tentatively scheduled to start at 10:00am on Saturday, September 5, 2026; at 1065 Scott Furr Road, Magnolia, MS.