James E. Kinsey, Jr.
April 1, 2014
Jim was born in Ft. Lauderdale on June 22, 1955 and moved to Ft. Myers later that year with his parents, James E. and Jody C. Kinsey.
The Kinseys were an ardent sailing family and enjoyed many years racing on the Caloosahatchee River out of the Royal Palm Yacht Club. Jim began his sailing career at age 5 in an 8-foot dinghy, and proceeded to win two U.S. National Championships in the Optimist dinghy at age 14 and 15. He was a member of the U.S. Optimist sailing team, which in 1969, won the World's Championship in Portsmouth, England. He then finished third in the world individual competition that year.
Jim attended Allen Park Elementary, Ft. Myers Junior High and Bishop Verot High School. He graduated from Tulane University in 1977 and earned his MBA at Loyola University in New Orleans.
While at Tulane, Jim was a member of the University sailing team. He also represented the U.S. in the 1983 Admiral's Cup Race in England on a yacht whose crew included several members of the Tulane Sailing Team and former Admiral's Cup skipper Ted Turner, founder of CNN.
Jim was a Tulane alumni but also became a dedicated FSU Seminole football fan (his father having graduated from FSU in 1950). Probably one of his most enjoyable experiences was serving as a member of the FSU Board of Trustees from 2007-2012.
Jim was a prominent real estate broker and President of Kinsey Associates, Inc.; a local firm active in Southwest Florida since 1955. He was a past-president of the Ft. Myers Rotary Club and served on several city and county boards including past chairman of the City of Ft. Myers Planning Board and past chairman of the Real Estate Investment Society. He was a member of the Lee County 20/20 Endangered Land Acquisition Program, past president of the Lee County YMCA Volunteer Board and in 2012 was named to the Lee County advisory board for BB&T.
Jim is survived by his wife Leslie, son Brandon daughters Amanda and Amy, his sister Deborah Anne Kennedy and his father James E. Kinsey, Sr.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Pediatric Oncology Fund at Lee Memorial Health System Foundation, Inc. They can be mailed to LMHS Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2218, Fort Myers, FL 33902. Please include in the memo line "In Memory of Jim Kinsey Jr."
We will be celebrating Jim's life this Friday April 4th at Southern Waters in North Fort Myers at 5:00 PM. The address is 16400 Daughtry's Creek Road North Fort Myers, FL 33917.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My sincere condolences to the Kinsey Family. I learned of Scooter's passing this morning reading the Tulane magazine. He and I were roommates Freshman year at Tulane - thank you for posting the picture of him in our bathroom at the dorm! Scooter was a true gentleman and I am sad to learn of his passing but feel blessed to have called him my friend during our college days. His smile was infectious and his memory will be forever.
Ed Gaskell
October 8, 2014
My name is Fritz Mueller, and along with my brother Mark were part of the Optimist World Championship contingent in 1969, and "Skooter" was a great part of those times. I would like to hear from his family....my only regret is to learn of his passing just now.
Fritz Mueller
September 28, 2014
Two months have passed and I still find my thoughts frequently wondering and thinking of this guy that I was so blessed to call my friend. I still find it difficult to think of him as gone but I know he is, dadgummit only the good die young. I know that's not true but its seems so. Such a good man!
Love you buddy!!
Lee Norris
June 3, 2014
The light of your life will continue to brighten the lives of others.
Harvey and Caroline Strauss
April 9, 2014
We would like to add our condolences for the family. We were shocked by the news of Scooter's death. He was so young. He will be missed by everyone.
Harvey and Caroline Strauss
April 9, 2014
Leslie, Sue and I were terribly shocked and saddened by Jim's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family. George Dalzell Glenville, N.C.
george dalzell
April 7, 2014
The entire YMCA community in Lee County mourns the loss of such a great leader. Jim was a key volunteer for the YMCA for many years. His involvement made the lives of thousands of children and families better. I was honored to serve with him and will always consider him a hero in our community.
Dave Fulscher
April 6, 2014
So sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved husband and father. Our prayers for God to comfort your grief and surround you with His divine peace.
God Bless,
Dick & Paula Hanley & Family
April 5, 2014
Leslie and family, Mr Kinsey Sr, our prayers remain with you. We, too, remember Scooter from the RPYC youth sailing program. Scooter was legend, yet humble and kind to those of us who did more luffing than sailing.
Scooter has left a mighty legacy in his family, his life of community service, his business relationships, and all those whose lives he touched.
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant Jim with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. (Book of Common Prayer 1979, p 499)
WF 'Bill' Burgess and family (Candis, Brian and Blaine)
Candis Burgess
April 5, 2014
We fondly remember "Scooter" as a sailing enthusiast at RPYC and along the local waters. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ross & Stephanie Webb, Edison Sailing Center
Ross and Stephanie Webb
April 5, 2014
Dear Kinsey Family,
We were very saddened to hear of your recent loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during such a difficult time.
Dale and Norine Tepas
April 4, 2014
I and my family, light this candle in memory of James E. Kinsey Jr. ?
Niya Patterson
April 4, 2014
Jim was a mentor and a friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. My family's thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kinsey family.
Charles Cook
April 4, 2014
I had the pleasure of umpiring some of the Roy Hobbs baseball games Jim played in and watching him coach my son in Little League. He was someone everyone looked up to and a mentor to all the kids he came in contact with. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Terry Keith
April 4, 2014
So surprised and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. A fellow fsu fan and acquaintance of my late husband's. Please know the Haney family shares in your loss.
ENNEIS HANEY
April 4, 2014
We are so very sad to have heard this news, and our very best wishes go to your entire family.
Bill and Stephanie Keyes
April 4, 2014
Leslie,
We were very saddened to hear about Jim. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your North Carolina Neighbors
April 4, 2014
I don't know where to begin so I will start at the Royal Palm Yacht Club where I first met Scooter. There were many of us in the youth sailing program at that time in the mid 1960's. Other's in the program like Tommy and Bobby Birch, Dan and Mike Courtney, Charlie Howard, Carry Berry, Bill Shenko, Paul Taylor, Lee Porter, Mel Porter, Rick Pritchett and me along with others that would come and go. From the very start it was a man against boys. I can honestly say I never once beat him (and I'm not sure anyone else in that group did either) in an organized sailing race. Scooter was that good.
That dedication and drive was the foundation that he possessed his entire life. As a professional he was honest, sincere and driven to be the best and perform at his best for the many clients he represented. All you have to do is be around his family and you can feel the love that came from the relationship that he and Leslie shared.
If I started telling Scooter Stories I could fill this paper up.
So I will say goodbye to a person I admired and was proud to call a friend. Thank you for the memories and lessons in life. To Leslie and the kids, you were fortunate to have a person of this quality in your lives. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Scoot to you…fair winds and calms seas forever. God Bless.
Pete and Leslie D'Alessandro
April 4, 2014
Scooter. You will always be remembered as a genuinely good man that could laugh and smile regardless of circumstance. You will be missed by many. Prayers go out to the Kinsey family.
Drew Drake
April 4, 2014
Amanda Kinsey and family, I am truly very sorry for your loss.. It saddens me that Mr. Kinsey lost the fight, but he did not lose the battle, why?! Because, we continue to fight for him. His legacy, is not at all the accomplishments he made, but the reason behind making them. His "family" are the REAL accomplishments.... Please stick together through this painful loss for you need each others strength. I continuously pray for your family, and ask for strength and understanding. Amanda my sister, my friend, I and your other sisters, we are all here for you.! I miss you so much and I am sorry I can not be there physically for you and your family, but I am here for you. But at times like these, let my words comfort you a little, and know that I am thinking about you and praying for you. Mind and spirit! Stay strong, keep your head up. James E. Kinsey Jr.. still lives on in you, in all of you. I love you Kinsey family. ?
Niya Patterson
April 4, 2014
My condolences to the family and friends of Scooter. A true dedicated professional, RIP.
Fred Sylvester
April 4, 2014
Leslie and family - Mike and I so saddened about Jim. He was truly a fine gentleman, husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now during this time. Love to you all.
Stacey Cannington
April 3, 2014
As one of Jim's care givers, I was honored to have the Privilages of caring for him and getting to know his family. I would have loved to have met Jim before his illness. My condolences to the entire Kinsey family. Hugs.
Lindsay Simonsen
April 3, 2014
I knew Jim as a friend and business associate, alway professional, warm and courteous. He was a fine example to all who met him and worked with him-a generous and sincere man. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Sheeley
April 3, 2014
We were all blessed to have "Scooter" be a part of our lives. My fondest memory was picking him to drive a Trans Am convertible alongside of a girl on a horse on the Sanibel Causeway. That commercial sold a lot of Pontiac's! Many prayers for Leslie, children, and family.
Landis Gallman
April 3, 2014
I am so saddened to hear this news. Scooter and I went to Nana Ward's nursery school, Allen Park Elem, and Ft. Myers Jr High together. I'm glad I ran into Scooter last month at the Wildchild Art Gallery on Matlacha. I enjoyed meeting you Leslie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Becky Bartos
April 3, 2014
I met Jim and Leslie when they worked out at my Nautilus Fitness Center in downtown Ft. Myers back in the 80's.Always admired Jim's gentle demeanor and the intensity he put into his workouts. Great guy. Our condolences go out to Leslie and family.
Dave Phillips
April 3, 2014
It was great pleasure knowing and working with Jim. I am sadden to hear that is no longer wtih us. My condolensis to the family.
Bart Porter
April 3, 2014
I was so fortunate to have known Scooter since I was 6.
May God bless his wife and
children.
Susan Dickey Stouffer
Susan Dickey
April 3, 2014
I was blessed to grow up with Jim. A truly Good Guy, a Man for All Seasons. Now he is with The Lord. Our prayers are with you Leslie and family.
Michael Sauls
April 3, 2014
I only knew Jim for a short time on the 2020 Committee but found him to be dedicated and conscientious. My condolences to the family.
John Cassani
John Cassani
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
Tiffany Garner
April 3, 2014
I went to high school with Scooter and remember him fondly. My thoughts are prayers go out to his family.
Mary Jane Pampinella Harvey
April 3, 2014
I have many fond memories umpiring the games for Roy Hobbs that Jim played in. Also remembering the wonderful times when Patrick was coached by Jim in Little League. The world lost a great man on April 1st.
Larry Wolslagel
April 3, 2014
Holding you close to my heart, Kinsey family. I admired and adored Jim (Scooter)beyond what I have room to write here. I know I am not the only one. He touched us all, and his legacy will be one of Ft. Myers's greatest. I feel honored to have called him 'friend'...even though he was a Seminole :-)...and blessed that we shared some fun and happy times together. Take comfort in the memories, and know you are not alone in your grief. Love, Suzy
Suzy Allen
April 3, 2014
Rest In Peace Scooter. You will be sorely missed.
Mel King
April 3, 2014
May you find comfort in this very sad time in the loving tributes and shared memories of friends and family.
He was a kind and gracious man. We were all blessed to have known him if only for a little while.
Stay strong in your faith and know he has gone on to a much better place.
Love to all of you, Gail Fous
April 3, 2014
So sorry to hear about Jim. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Drummond
April 3, 2014
Leslie...I'm crushed with the news of Jim's passing. He and I shared a special bond these past few years--golf, baseball, FSU and of course the same birthday. I hope my friend is at peace now..it has been quite the fight these past few years. Our prayers for strength go out to all your family and friends!
Mike Cannington
April 3, 2014
Love you Scooter.... from the entire Goss family.
April 3, 2014
We all have lost a wonderful friend, a great man of impeccable character. Personally, I will forever miss Jim's infectious smile and laugh.
Dalton Drake
April 3, 2014
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of one of my best high school friends. But I am encouraged by the fact that Scooter knew the Lord and is now face to face with Jesus. I pray that the God of all comfort will uphold Leslie and the kids and remind them they will see him again one day.
Tim Day
Tim Day
April 3, 2014
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Lindsey, Vinny and Mason Pettograsso
April 3, 2014
April 3, 2014
I feel fortunate to have connected with you at the reunion, after so many years. You will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to your family and friends.
Bob Molter
April 3, 2014
I am deeply saddened by the news of Jim's passing. He was great to work with and will be missed.
Brian Smith
April 3, 2014
Jim personified integrity. He was truly a wonderful man by all measures. he will be dearly missed
Jeff Halvorsen
April 3, 2014
Godspeed Scooter. Sail on buddy. May the good Lord look down on Leslie and the kids. Rest in peace.
Tony Vetter
April 3, 2014
Jim was a great guy we had a lot of good times coaching litle league together.Our prayers go out to his Family RIP Jimmy
Earl Gill
April 3, 2014
So sorry to hear of Scooter's passing. We attended Allen Park and Ft Myers Jr High together....such great times growing up. Ft Myers will miss him. Hopefully the wonderful memories you have will bring some comfort.
Leslie Chernin Morreale
April 3, 2014
I'm saddened to hear of Scooter's passing. I remember great times from junior high and high school. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Carrie Cantieny Keohane
April 2, 2014
Shelly Bower-Matzick
April 2, 2014
I knew him as Scooter. He was a great childhood friend. I ran into him in Atlanta at the airport years ago. Another wonderful soul has sailed off to Heaven.
Kathy Wood Fritz
April 2, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jan Bartley
April 2, 2014
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