James Henry Mckinstry

The Managements and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral Home, LLC  sorrowfully announce the death of Mr. James Henry McKinstry, 85, of Winnsboro, South Carolina. 

Funeral services for Mr. McKinstry will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, 12:00 noon at Nelson's Funeral Home, 270 N. Dogwood Avenue, Ridgeway, South Carolina 29130.   Interment will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.  Public viewing will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2015, 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. James Henry McKinstry, the firstborn of Frank and Rebecca Byrd McKinstry, departed this earthly life on August 27, 2015 at his home.  He lived a life of service to others.  He never met a stranger and was willing to help everyone.

Mr. McKinstry was born on December 17, 1930 in Winnsboro, South Carolina.  He was the pride and joy of his parents.   James was one who never wanted to be treated as a baby.

He was educated in the public schools of Fairfield County.  He was inducted into the United States Army on May 8, 1951.  He was honorably discharged on April 30, 1953.  He was awarded an Occupation Medal for his service in Germany during the Korean War.

James was married to the late Alberta Hopkins of Blair, South Carolina. Two children, James Henry McKinstry, Jr. (G.G.) and Elaine McKinstry, were born from this union.

James loved the outdoor life.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He spent many hours in the GREAT OUTDOORS!  He also took special interest in his work.  He was employed on various jobs including Phillips Granite Company, Maxwell Brothers Furniture Store and Uniroyal.

During his leisure time, James loved listening to music.  He particularly liked hearing the blues.  Some of his favorite artist included B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Howling Wolfe.

He leaves to cherish fond memories, two sons, James Henry (Phyllis) McKinstry, Jr. of Cincinnati, OH, Commander Marvin (Karen) Foster, Sr. of Hopkins, SC; two daughters, Elaine (Rickie) McKinstry Lovette of Cincinnati, OH, and Jacqueline (Jonah) Foster-Gilyard of Catawba, SC; fourteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; five sisters, Sarah F. Edmounds of Columbia, SC, Henrietta Davis of Ridgeway, SC, Jessie M. McKinstry of Columbia, SC, Mamie L. Stewart of Chicago, IL and Hazel R. (Sylvester) Harris of Baltimore, MD; two brothers, Andrew McKinstry of Ridgeway, SC and Charles (Debbie) McKinstry of Norwich, CT; one aunt Josephine McKinstry Mobley of Winnsboro, SC; one sister-in-law, Jimmie L. McKinstry of Pensacola, FL; three brothers-in-law, James W. (Carol) Hopkins of Winnsboro, SC, Wade (Eulla Mae) Hopkins of Union, SC, and Cleon Hopkins, of Blair, SC; a lifetime friend, Arthur Smith, Jr.; a friend and dedicated caregiver, Yvonne Russell (Bonnie) of Ridgeway, SC; a friend and sitter, Joe Jamison of Ridgeway, SC; a special friend, Mary Ann Jackson of Ridgeway, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other friends who are saddened by his demise.

James was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Frank McKinstry, III and Booker T. McKinstry.

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