Obituary of James N Phinney

James N. Phinney (Jim), passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 15, 2019. Beloved husband of Shirley Claudette (Winbinger) Phinney with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. In addition to his wife Shirley, Jim is survived by his children Derrell W. Phinney and Carrie P. McCarthy; his three grandchildren, Jon, Kayla, and Sara McCarthy, and his great grandson Thomas Jon Patrick Robinson. Jim is also survived by his sister-in-law Elisabeth A. Phinney, Uncle N to Monique and Glen Wimburne, and Jodi, Kurt and Pam; Great Uncle to Kenneth, Lisa and Kenny Wimburne, and Katy, Brianna and Nate, Jackson, Caroline and Maddy. Great, great uncle to Lilla, Charlotte, Violet, Michael and Keith, Cousin Judy, Mrs. James H. Mosher of Middleton, Nova Scotia and extended family.

Born in Boston Hospital on February 10, 1927. Son of the Late Henry Maxwell and Elizabeth Johnston (Mitchell) Phinney. He served honorably in WWII and in the Korean Conflict. Honorably discharged in November 3, 1945; July 21, 1948 and again on April 12, 1954. Jim attended public schools of Melrose, Mass, he was a member of the Johns Hopkins University class of 1955 and a member of the Alpha Chi, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity 1953. 1953-57 Assistant Director of Alumni Association and Development at Johns Hopkins, 1957-63 Assistant to the President and Director of Alumni Relations and Development at Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon; where he met Shirley. A Member and Deacon of the First Congregational Church in Forest Grove where they were married on June 24, 1959. 1957-63 member of Forest Grove Rotary; President 1963, 1963-1989 Director of M.I.T. Alumni Centre, New York; 1981 Elected Honorary Alumnus of M.I.T.; 1984 Recipient of "Harold E. Lobdell" Distinguished Service Award M.I.T. Alumni association. Moved to Matawan, N.J. 1963-1967, then to Plainfield from 1967-1973 and was appointed to Plainfield coalition to improve Race relations. Member and Deacon of First Congregational Church of Plainfield; 1973 Built present home in Bethlehem Township, N.J., 1973-1979 Trustee for Westfield, NJ YMCA "The Four Seasons Youth Camp". 1974 to present Trustee, Member and volunteer/coach for ARC, CEA, Special Olympics, North Hunterdon Senior Center, GEM Vac Vets, and the Wounded Warrior Program - Horses for Forces.

A celebration of James life with military honors, will be held on Friday June 28, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Clinton Presbyterian Church, 91 Center Street, Clinton NJ 08809. Luncheon and fellowship will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to:

ARC of Hunterdon County - 465 Route 31 South, Suite 23, Annandale, NJ 08801

Special Olympics of Hunterdon County

Gem Vac Vets - 2062 NJ-31 Glen Gardner, NJ 08826

The Wounded Warrior Program - Horses for Forces