James Robert

Kinnett

James (Jim) Robert Kinnett II, 70 years old, of Bright, IN passed away on Thursday April 20, 2023 after an extended illness, with his wife, Bebe, by his side. Jim was born in Rising Sun, IN on January 9, 1953 to his parents James Robert Kinnett and Norma Lee Fischvoght Kinnett. They moved to Terre Haute IN, in 1960 where Jim spent most of his younger years attending Prairieton Elementary, Sara Scott Jr. High, and Honey Creek High School.

Jim attended Indiana State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Political Science in 1975. It was during his time at Indiana State that he met and married the woman of his dreams, Bebe Burget. They met during an ISU Campus Review stage play in 1974, where Jim and Bebe were in charge of the lighting and sound for the stage production. It was during the after-party celebration that Jim shared with a Fraternity brother "That is the girl I am going to marry". Despite his confident words, it was Bebe who made the first move and asked her future husband to the Alpha Phi Spring Dance where their 49 year love affair began. They were married in 1976 following Bebe's graduation from ISU. They went on to bear and raise three boys: JR Kinnett, Sean Kinnett, and Neil Kinnett who are all college graduates.

Jim met many professional colleagues during his career as a Certified Economic Developer (CED). And many of those social colleagues became long-time friends. He started his own business, The Kinnett Consulting Group; he became a partner in Corporate Financial Services, LLC; and the Marketing and Economic Director for Land Consultants. Jim was an instructor for the Certified Economic Development Course in various locations across the United States. He was particularly proud of becoming a board member of the Certified Industrial Economic Developers, Bright Area Business Association (BABA), Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce, and the Cincinnati Chapter of Plastic Engineers. BABA benefited from his love of golf as he chaired the annual golf outing which raised funds for the local non-profits of Bright, IN.

Jim truly enjoyed golfing (despite his banana slice), going to the shooting range, and fly fishing where he was known to sport one of his many signature hats. Nothing made Jim happier than spending time with Bebe, their three boys, and their five grandchildren. He taught the grandkids how to fish and shoot a bow & arrow and cherished the time he had with them. Jim's heart was big and kind, he knew the value of working diligently and more than anything, enjoyed life with those he loved.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife of 46 years, Bebe; their sons JR (Delaina Flemming) Kinnett III, Sean (Stephanie Fontaine) Kinnett, and Neil (Cari) Kinnett; grandchildren Ayva White, Laura Kinnett, Sean Kinnett, Connor Kinnett, and Tucker Kinnett; siblings Nelson (Martha) Kinnett and Kevin (Kelly) Kinnett. He is preceded in death by his parents Norma Lee & James Kinnett.

A Prayer Service for Jim will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 at St. Lawrence Church in Lawrenceburg, IN. Immediately following there will be a Celebration of Life in the lower level of the church until 5:00pm.

Memorials can be made out to Bright Lions Club or Loving Hearts Hospice. Memorials will be accepted at the Prayer Service and Celebration of Life or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com .