James E. Kinner

03/21/2004

James E. Kinner, 74, of 135 Rathbun Road died Sunday at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. Born in Denver on Oct. 22, 1929, son of Lynn and Vera Williams Kinner, he was a 1949 graduate of North High School there. He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1959 from University of Denver and his master's in business administration from Stanford University in 1962. He acquired a chartered life underwriter's designation and certification in advance estate planning and advance pension planning; he also was a chartered financial consultant. He served in the Navy for four years during the Korean War. Mr. Kinner owned Investment Concept Group in Williamstown for 20 years. Prior to that, he was affiliated with Prudential Bache and First Albany Corp. in Pittsfield. He was first employed in circulation sales from 1958 to 1963 by the Wall Street Journal in San Francisco and by the San Francisco Examiner. He then joined Massachusetts Indemnity & Life Insurance Co. in Los Angeles as an agent and supervisor and, at its Denver office, as a general agent responsible for recruiting, training and supervision of agents, and in personal protection. In 1967, he went to work for Union Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Portland, Maine, and was responsible for recruiting and supervision at its Denver office and as a general agent at the Worcester office. Between 1973 and 1976, he was the manager of advanced sales in the home office for Farm Family Co. in Glenmont, N.Y. From 1976 to 1982, he was with the Key Trust Co. in Albany, N.Y., as a trust group vice president, then was a trust officer at the former First Agricultural Bank of Pittsfield. He was a member of the Massachusetts State Bankers Association, the Pittsfield chapter of the American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters, the Pittsfield Rotary Club, Toastmasters and the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. He leaves his wife, the former JoAnn Stalker, whom he married Aug. 23, 1951. FUNERAL NOTICE -- A graveside service for Mr. James E. Kinner, who died Sunday, March 21, 2004, will be held Friday at 11 in Pittsfield Cemetery, with the Rev. Roger A. Davis officiating. Friends who desire to attend may meet inside the gates at the cemetery at 10:45 on Friday. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor's choice, in care of WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, which is in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries

Celebrating Lives & Legacies

James E. Kinner

Memorials