James Robert
Kinsella, Jr.
James Robert Kinsella, Jr. died suddenly on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.
Born April 5, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, to Helena (Hayes) and James Robert Kinsella, Sr.
As a child he loved spending summers in Athens, Ontario on the family farms. In high school he was an outstanding athlete, ranking 1st in NY on the Springboard Diving Team. He graduated from Baldwinsville, NY High school in 1965. Served in the United States Navy 1966-1969, then attended and graduated in 1972 from Cornell University of Hotel and Restaurant Management, where he was a member of Swimming & Diving Team and the Delta C Fraternity. Worked briefly at Colgate University, 1972-1973, where he coached the Men's Diving Team, Women's Swim Team, and met his wife of 48 year, Nancy (Flanagan) Kinsella.
Then embarked on a 30+ years career in a private country club management, attaining distinction of Certified Club Manager. Managed Country and City Clubs in Central, NY, Bradford, PA, Erie, PA, Tampa, FL, Providence, RI, Rehoboth Beach, DE, Kennebunk Port, ME, and Dover, DE. He was president of the Cleveland Chapter of Club Managers and also, President of Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club. He finished his management career as Banquet Manager, Dover Downs (2000-2008).
He enjoyed downhill skiing and was proud to have skied many of the Winter Olympic venues. He was also an avid Sailor and spent many hours on his boat, Huggy Bare, cruising the Chesapeake Bay.
An avid but "so-so" Golfer, he spent many days in retirement at Garrison Lake Golf Club where he served as Secretary of Friends of Garrison Lake GC.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy Kinsella of Dover, DE; brother, Brian Kinsella (Chris Pelchy) of Auburn, NY; sister, Alice (Kinsella) Whelan (Mike) of Baldwinsville, NY; nephews, James Robert Kinsella, III (Mitzie), Jason Kinsella; nieces, Sarah Kinsella, Allison Kinsella (Mitch); six great nieces and nephews, two great-great nieces; and 101 first cousins in Syracuse and Athens Ontario Canada.
A viewing will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, DE.
Mass will be held the following morning, 11 a.m., at St. Polycarp Church, 55 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, DE.
A family memorial will be held in Baldwinsville, NY at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Modern Maturity Center, Dover, DE.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com