Mr. James William McKinney, Sr., affectionately known as "Doc", was born on March 30, 1934, to the late Roy Lee McKinney and the late Hattie Jackson McKinney in Spindale, NC. He was educated in the Spartanburg County school system.

James professed Christ his savior at an early age and joined Fosters Grove Baptist Church. He was united in holy matrimony to the former Emma Fullenwider and from this union four children were born and two were adopted. James was a dedicated employee of Milliken (Cotton Blossom) in Spartanburg for thirty-five years.

James was preceded in death, along with his parents, by daughter, Margaret Poston and sister, Fannie "Polly "Lindsey.

His life and legacy will be treasured by his loving wife of 69 years, Emma F. McKinney of the home; daughters, Betty M. (Tyrone) Meadows and Renee McKinney both of Spartanburg, SC; sons, Jimmy L. (Connie) McKinney of Boiling Springs, SC , James William McKinney, Jr. of Pelzer, SC, and Jason McKinney of Gaffney, SC; brother, Sherman McKinney of Inman, SC; grandchildren, Jamie Poston, Alicia Albright, Marshall T. Meadows, Jr., Trey C. McKinney, Erik McKinney, Natosha Abbattista, A'sa Gether, Leah McKinney, and Lana McKinney; great-grandchildren, Ian Poston, Alyssa Poston, Alex Poston, Jaslene Poston, Jayda Poston, Jonavyn Poston, Jayvon Kitchens, Kira Meadows, London Meadows, Falynn Meadows, Meikel McKinney, Giavanna Abbattista, and Kai Paul McKinney; also reared in the home, Betty Jean Jones, Barbara Jean Jones and Shawn Cunningham; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. On the morning of Monday, September 11, 2023, James quietly departed this life with family surrounding him. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.