Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James McKinstry Obituary
Age 87, passed away on October 25, 2013 in Wilmington, DE.
Born in Westfield, NJ on June 14, 1926, Jim lived in Albany, NY, San Antonio, TX, and Nashville, TN before settling in Wilmington, DE in 1939. He was a graduate of P.S. duPont High School in 1943. Jim started college at the University of the South and left to serve the U.S. Navy in WWII as a quartermaster in the South China Sea.
He completed his education at Washington and Lee University, and graduated law school from the University of Pennsylvania. Jim ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1960, and while he was not elected, he won 52 years of marriage with his wife Jane, whom he met during his campaign. His law career in Wilmington at the firm of Richards, Layton and Finger lasted 49 years until he retired at age 70. He was a champion for pro-bono work and mentoring lawyers.
Jim was an avid golfer, squash player, and connoisseur of choral music. He was dedicated to his family and grandchildren and enjoyed many family vacations on the Jersey shore.
A lifetime Rotarian, he served as the Wilmington Rotary Club president in 1985-1986. Jim was a founding member of the Blood Bank of Delaware in 1954, and was a lifetime member of the YMCA where he played handball and squash. He was a vestryman at St. John's Cathedral and diocesan delegate to several Episcopal conventions. Jim served on several boards throughout his life and, in retirement, volunteered for the Red Cross and FISH.
Jim channeled his love of history and his dedication to the state of Delaware by being Delaware's founding member of the Bicentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States, along with serving as the second Chairman of the Delaware Heritage Commission for the Bicentennial.
He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the General Society of Colonial Wars, the George Washington Society, the Wilmington Club, and the Wilmington Country Club.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, The Right Reverend Arthur R. and Isabelle Van Dorn McKinstry, and sisters Isabelle Stadler, Margaret Maull, and Barbara Lawton.
Jim is survived by his wife Jane, and three children: Tom (Pamela), Susan, and Karen (Erik). He was especially proud of his six grandchildren: Samuel, Michael, Megan, Jack, Thomas, and Andrew. He is also survived by his brother Arthur S. McKinstry (Elaine).
The family is very appreciative of the thoughtful and tender care given to Jim at the Milton and Hattie Kutz Home.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday, November 1, 2013 at the Christ Church, 505 E. Buck Road, Greenville, DE. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Historical Society, 505 N. Market Street, Wilmington DE 19801 or to the Cathedral Choir School of Delaware, 719 N. Shipley St. Wilmington, DE 19801.
SPICER-MULLIKIN
FUNERAL HOMES
& CREMATORY
To sign guest book, visit
spicermullikin.com
302-328-2213
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McKinstry
Roger Wilke
November 1, 2013
My sincere condolences, Jane. As you know, Jim was an active, supportive member of the WCC Tour Group for many years. I have fond memories of him at enjoyable outings and with you at the year-end celebrations. We miss Jim in the group.
Dan Dreisbach
November 1, 2013
Jane and family, we will miss Jim immensely. We enjoyed our golf trips and dinners with Jane and Jim. If ever there were a kinder, nicer gentleman than Jim, we have not met him. His constant smile and encouraging heart will always be seared in our memories. Goodbye dear friend. See you soon. Carolyn and Dan Dreisbach
Chris Waisanen
October 31, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Nicholas Orlando ,Cathedral Choir School of Delaware
October 30, 2013
You are in our prayers. Mr. McKinstry's time at the
Cathedral Choir School was valued by many; we'll offer a song in his memory during an All Saints' concert this Sunday.
Sam Waltz
October 30, 2013
If ever a Delaware life needs to be celebrated, for the legacy he created and left us, it is Jim McKinstry's. I knew Jim just in passing, not well, and I don't know his family, but I know that his contribution to our community is inestimable! Condolences to Jim's family!
October 30, 2013
Jane, Tom, Susan and Karen:
Jim/your dad was one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever known. He was an excellent lawyer, but far more important, he was a kind and understanding human being. Above all, however, he treasured his family. While I was at RLF Jim was always one of the first I approached whenever I needed advice about a case or about life.
I only saw Jim get angry once, but he was right to do so--that putt should have fallen!
I hope you take comfort knowing he has left a fine legacy and will always be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
John Parkins
Judge of the Superior Court
October 30, 2013
Susan, Bill and I will have you and your family in our hearts on the 1st. Sadly we will be out of town and unable to visit with you and celebrate the joy we had at just knowing Jim. Our love to all, Bill and Barbara Wade
Debbie Vernon
October 30, 2013
Dear Susan: Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Cherish the memories.
Colleen Corbett
October 29, 2013
Dear Susan and Family,
We would like to offer our deepest sympathies. You are all in our prayers. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. The Corbett Family
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in James McKinstry's name
Memorial Events
for James McKinstry
Funeral services provided by:
Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory - New Castle1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE 19720
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James McKinstry's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
