John Kinney

JOHN KINNEY Click here to view video of John's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- John Valentine Kinney, 66, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 17, 2008, at his home. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho. He was born June 18, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Sid Kinney and Afton Black Kinney. The family soon moved to California, where he attended school and graduated from high school in 1959. He served in the U. S. Army as a private from 1959 to 1962. He was a paratrooper and expert marksman. He received an honorable discharge. He married Barbara Burmeister in 1959. The couple made their home in Germany while he was stationed there with the Army, and later lived in Idaho Falls. The couple had two children, Heinz and Michael. They were later divorced. He worked as a cartoonist for Walt Disney Studios for about a year, then apprenticed as a carpenter and pursued his enjoyment of outdoor work. He worked as a carpenter in California, Arizona, Texas, and Idaho. John was right-handed, but in 1974, he was injured in a construction accident in Idaho Falls, drastically restricting the use of his right hand and arm. Following that injury, he switched to using his left hand and continued to be noted for the excellence of his carpentry, siding, roofing, and other construction work. He married Loye Jerri Robinson on December 29, 1978, in Idaho Falls. They made their home in Idaho Falls and later in St. Anthony. He owned and operated Kinney Custom Construction there. John accepted Christ as his Savior in 1981, and that experience changed his life. He understood God’s grace and love for him, and he shared that in many ways with all who knew him. He was a member of Ashton Christian Fellowship and the Shiloh Foursquare Church in Idaho Falls. As a young man his interests included surfing on Pacific beaches and spending time prospecting in the mountains of California and Nevada. Later, his hobbies were hunting, fishing, working in his carpentry shop, playing pinochle and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchild. He also enjoyed fireworks, practical jokes, and water fights– and could cook a steak to perfection on his outdoor grill. He loved attending his grandson Nick’s baseball games and BMX races and was always happy to be out and about with the people he loved. His life was characterized by love and trust in God, devotion and tender care for his wife, kindness, generosity of spirit and resources, a cheerful grateful, attitude, and the great joy he took in his family. He was especially proud that his first great grandchild shares his name. Our family Valentine will live on in little William Valentine. Survivors include his wife, Loye Jerri Kinney, Idaho Falls; three sons, Heinz (Agnes) Schreier of Blackfoot; Mike Schreier of Ammon; Blain (Tonya) Robinson of Lewisburg, Tenn.; one daughter, Shawna (John) Howze of Idaho Falls; mother, Afton Vandenberg of Utah; two brothers, Wayne Kinney of Utah and Kenneth Vandenberg of California; two sisters, Karol (Steve) Behling and Annette Michaelson, all of Utah; grandchildren Brittany (Ray), Leah, Nicholas, Tommy, Shyanne, and Sarah, great-grandchild William Valentine and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and a granddaughter, Kayla Ann. John was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, and mentor – and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A committed Christian, he was prepared for his passing and looked forward eagerly to his home in heaven. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Eastern Idaho, Chris Bell, Dr. Todd Williams, Dr. Matthew Sweetser and the member of Shiloh Foursquare Church for their compassionate care. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008, at the Shiloh Foursquare Church, 502 Second Street, Idaho Falls, with Pastors Richard Laux and Tony Maupin officiating. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the John Kinney Memorial Fund. Make checks payable to Shiloh Foursquare Church, 502 S. Second St., Idaho Falls, ID 83401. ------------------------------------ Condolences received online: Shelli Stoddard bratluvr@msn.com I was sad to see that you lost your precious John, but was so incredibly blessed by how you did his obituary. Truly he is rejoicing in Heaven today with his Jesus and not suffering anymore. What an incredible comfort this must be to you all. God bless you all as you go through this difficult time. In case you don't recognize my name, I used to be Shelli Colborn. I have such fond memories of John and you all.