James Robert McKinley

James Robert "Bob" McKinley, age 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Houston, TX. He was born in Melton Mowbray, England, to J. R. McKinley, an American soldier, and Wynne Gray McKinley, a British nurse.

Bob's early childhood was spent in Bakersfield, California, before he moved to De Queen, Arkansas, where he grew up. He excelled both academically and athletically in high school, serving as quarterback and captain of the football team and graduating as valedictorian in 1964.

He pursued his education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, earning an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering in 1968. After graduation, he began his career at Humble Oil and Refining Company in Baytown, TX.

In 1971, Bob answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army and serving in the Preventative Medicine Unit at DeWitt Army Hospital in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Following his military service, he continued his academic pursuits at Rice University, where he earned a Master’s degree in 1975. He then embarked on a distinguished career at S&B Engineers and Constructors, Ltd. in Houston, Texas, dedicating 30 years to the company and retiring in 2005 as a Senior Vice President and Manager of Engineering.

In retirement, Bob found peace and fulfillment in Pipe Creek, Texas. He became a Texas Master Naturalist, dedicating his time to teaching and volunteering at The Nature Conservancy at Love Creek near Medina, TX. His enthusiasm for coffee, love of lyrics and poetry, and passion for the natural world were evident to all who knew him. An avid fly fisherman, Bob enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Colorado over the years with his friends. He was a kind, generous man, always remembered for his dry wit.

Bob is survived by his brother, William Bradleigh McKinley of Roswell, Georgia; his sons, Michael McKinley and Christopher McKinley and his wife, Tanesha, of Houston, TX; his grandchildren, Emma, Luke, Kaylyn, and Grace McKinley; and his niece and two nephews. He is also survived by many lifelong friends whom he cherished.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.R. McKinley and Wynne McKinley; his sister, Barbara McKinley; and his grandson, Hayden McKinley.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, located at 120 W Loop N Freeway, Houston, TX 77024. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Nature Conservancy for Love Creek Preserve in Bandera County, TX. Additional donation details are available on their website at https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/texas/.