James Kinney, Former Township Supervisor, Dies at 79

James E. Kinney of Churchville died peacefully at his home on Friday April 19. He was 79.

Kinney, a former Northampton Township Supervisor, was born in Philadelphia. He was the beloved husband of Joan Smith Kinney for the past 56 years and son of the late Samuel J. and Frances (Hantwerker) Kinney.

Jim was a resident of Northampton Township for 41 years. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Philadelphia where he also played football; he received his degree in Business Administration from Temple University. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army having served in Germany.

Jim's professional career in the food service industry spanned 45 years. He worked in sales for Keebler Company, Food Trade News and several other companies that he represented.

Jim was dedicated and devoted to his community. He was a Republican Committeeman for many years and served selflessly for two decades as a member and former Chairman of the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors. During his terms in office, Jim was responsible, along with his fellow board members for the development of the comprehensive plan that helped preserve much farmland, the televising of township meetings, improving the townships roads, intersections and traffic signals. Most notable was the building of the Northampton Senior Center on Township Road, which has benefited so many township residents.

After his terms on the Board, Jim continued to serve the residents of his community, as a liaison to the Supervisors and on several other township boards. He was also the head of the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging and served as Administrative Officer for Public Affairs in Bucks County.

Jim was known for his quiet way and delicate manner in bringing people together. What many don't know or realize is how instrumental Jim and his side kick, Pete Palestina, were in getting the new library, new fire house and saving the old Richboro School and a beautiful park built from free Navy land, and most of all, keeping taxes low and so much more.

Jim could be seen often at the Senior Center with his friends enjoying a game of pool or being a star on the bocce court or looking for a game of golf. His beloved wife Joan would often remark, that she now has her kitchen table back for family and friends.

In addition to his wife Joan, he is survived by his children and their spouses, James E. Kinney Jr., Carolyn K. DuMont and her husband, Kirk, and Robert W. Kinney and his wife, Rebecca. He is also survived by his three granddaughters, Ashley Lynn DuMont-Szendiuch, Lauren C. DuMont and Jacqueline K. DuMont.

Relatives, friends and members of all organizations that he was a member of are invited to offer their condolences to Jim's family on Tuesday April 23, from 9 a.m. until his memorial service at 11 a.m. in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.), Richboro. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 1626 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Visit www.fluehr.com to sign the online guestbook.