The Fourth Generation

Jim and AJ, who joined the business in 1970, have continued to emphasize the compassion and dedication to service that has become a trademark of the McKinley Funeral Homes.

Jim, also a graduate of Wayne State University, inherited the drive to serve his community from his grandfather and father. Before moving to Newaygo in 1968, Jim was an active member of the Grant Jaycees. He has been involved with youth athletic programs, the Lakeshore Lung Association and the Newaygo Logging Fest.

He has served on the Newaygo Area Chamber of Commerce as secretary, treasurer and president, as a City Councilman and was  involved with the Newaygo Business Expo. Jim was a member of the Newaygo Masonic Lodge.

AJ served his apprenticeship after high school and enlisted in the Army in 1966. He was shipped to Vietnam only two months after his marriage. While in Saigon, AJ's assignment was to identify and return home the bodies of servicemen killed in action. Upon return from Vietnam, he served at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he rendered the last military honors to slain servicemen.

AJ attended Central Michigan University and transferred to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Mortuary College and graduated in 1971.

He joined the family business, eventually assuming management of the Grant Chapel in 1981 upon Red's retirement.

AJ has served the Grant community in both civic and spiritual capacities. He has been a member of the Grant Jaycees and very active in the Grant Rocket Football program, currently serving as director of the County program.

He has held positions on the City of Grant Planning Commission, the City Commission and was mayor for seven years until he decided not to run for re-election in 1995.

Jim and AJ both have served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association District 4.

Copyright McKinley Funeral Homes, Inc.  2010