James Earl McKinley

James Earl McKinley, 55, formerly of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at home in the arms of his longtime fiancée, Krystle Garness.

James was born on October 25, 1970, in Racine, Wisconsin, to James and Mary (Johnson) McKinley. He graduated from Racine Horlick High School in 1988 before attending the University of Wisconsin–Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin, where he played football and earned a bachelor's degree in Business.

He spent many years working in management for JCPenney, a career that took him throughout Wisconsin and Indiana before he eventually settled in Rochester, Minnesota. There, he began a new career working in IT Help Desk Services at Mayo Clinic.

James was a passionate and lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, remaining loyal to his team through every season. He also proudly supported his home state's teams, including the Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks. He often said his perfect weekend consisted of watching his children play football on Friday night, cheering for the Badgers on Saturday, and watching the Cowboys on Sunday.

James was also a devoted dog lover and owned many dogs throughout his life. He enjoyed traveling to Florida, spending time outdoors and grilling, and making lasting memories with those he loved. Above all, James cherished his family. He always made every effort to be present for his six children, supporting them in their activities, accomplishments, and milestones. His greatest pride and joy was being a devoted father and grandfather.

He is survived by his fiancée, Krystle Garness of Rochester, Minnesota; his mother, Mary Johnson of Racine, Wisconsin; his brother, Lavel McKinley of Kenosha, Wisconsin; and his niece, Alexus McKinley of Dallas, Texas.

He is also survived by his children: James (J.T.) McKinley and his wife, Marissa McKinley, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Marcus McKinley and Lexi Olson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Kade McKinley of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Macie McKinley and Antwan Moore of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Hailey McKinley of Rochester, Minnesota; and Aaron McKinley and Megan McNamara of Chicago, Illinois.

He is further survived by his grandchildren, Malaki James Lee-McKinley, Lennox Leonard McKinley, Georgia Addison McKinley, and a soon-to-be-born grandson of Marcus McKinley and Lexi Olson.

He is also survived by members of his fiancée’s family, including Rod and Judy Garness of Madison Lake, Minnesota; Matthew Garness of Austin, Minnesota; Jacob Garness of Brandon, Florida; Kayla and Andrew Bohrer of Claremont, Minnesota; and his nephews, Logan and Ryan Bohrer of Claremont, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25,2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, Minnesota. A gathering with family and friends will follow at another location. Please contact the family for additional information.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com