James "Jim" Nelson Kinder

James Nelson "Jim" Kinder has graduated to his eternal home, on August 4, 2026 at the age of 94 years and 11 months. Born on September 8, 1931, in Thompson Valley, Virginia, to James Melvin Kinder and Georgia Pearl Puckett Kinder, Jim was joyfully welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, along with the many family members, loved ones, and dear friends who had gone before him. His legacy of faith, wisdom, compassion, and steadfast love for Jesus will continue through those whose lives he touched until the God-ordained day they, too, are welcomed home. Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Mary Ann (Staples) Kinder; his son, Marc Kinder and wife Joanne; his daughter, Tiffany Davis and husband Seth; his stepdaughters, Suzanne Miller and husband Daryl, and Cindy Hall and husband Dave. He was a proud grandfather to Sarah Beth Webb, Collin McHenry, Nathan Kinder, Jessica Kinder, Carly Doby, Bethany Heatwole, Savannah Davis, Clay Miller, Bryce Miller, Drew Hall, and Emma Hall. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Ian Webb; Coen and Kenna McHenry; Jayden, Lucas, Cora, and Layla Kinder; Otto and Lincoln Doby; Otis Heatwole; Wade and Lilah Miller; and several more were already waiting to welcome him into Heaven. Jim's remarkable work ethic began at the age of five, helping a chair maker near Tazewell, Virginia, and he truly never stopped working. He faithfully served his country during the Korean War, where his mission focused on aiding and rescuing downed pilots. Following his military service, he spent the majority of his career with Smith's Transfer Corporation, one of the largest trucking companies in the United States at that time, where he worked his way from clerk to the vice president of operations. While working in Bristol, Virginia, Jim accepted Jesus Christ's free gift of salvation at Grace Baptist Church, a decision that shaped every aspect of the rest of his life. After being transferred to Verona, Virginia, he became a devoted member of Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton. There he faithfully served for many years as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, member of the Finance Committee and the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and in countless other ways wherever there was a need. Jim will be remembered for his love of golf and fishing, infectious laugh, wonderful sense of humor, wise counsel, and an original or borrowed proverb suited to nearly every situation. He had a servant's heart and found great joy in helping, loving, providing for, and caring for others. He made people feel welcome, valued, and loved. And if there was music playing, everyone knew one more thing about Jim—he could absolutely dance. Though his family grieves his absence, they rejoice knowing that Jim has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and is now enjoying the presence of the Savior he faithfully loved and served throughout his life. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Memorial Baptist Church by Pastor Todd Latham. The family will receive friends following the service. In keeping with Dad’s care for others, please consider, in lieu of flowers, making a donation to Shenandoah Hospice House, 111 North Campus Drive, Fishersville, Virginia 22939. Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is in charge of his arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net