John A. “Jack” McKinney, born July 4, 1950, to L. Ardyce and Vernon D. “Beanie” McKinney, lived a life marked by faith, dedication, and a deep commitment to family, community, and service. On August 21, 1971, he married Ella M. Schmidt, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love and mutual support.

Jack earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1972. He began his career as a CPA with Peat Marwick Mitchell, where he worked until 1975. He then joined ND Judds Company, serving from August 1975 to February 1984 in roles that grew from Controller to Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer.

In February 1984, Jack founded McKinney Enterprises, a general contracting company he led as President and CEO until his retirement in December 2010. His entrepreneurial spirit continued with the creation of Surety Services Inc. in 2001, where he served as President and CEO until 2024. His work was defined by integrity, vision, and a steadfast commitment to those he served.

Jack believed deeply in contributing to the organizations and communities that shaped his life. He served on the Concordia University Foundation Board of Directors for 12 years, as well as the boards of Valley View Country Club, Seward Country Club, the Metal Building Dealers Association, and the Turtle Beach Lake Association. He was a member of Valley View, Hillcrest, and Seward Country Clubs, and maintained professional affiliations with the Nebraska Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Central City, Nebraska. Outside of his professional and community commitments, Jack enjoyed sports, horse racing, golf, and gambling. He especially loved hosting and planning golf events, creating memorable days on the course with friends and family. His grandchildren were the pride of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Jack is survived by his wife, Ella; sons Brett (Sheri) and Rick McKinney; grandchildren Taryn and Owen McKinney; sister Cheri Biltoft; brother Jim McKinney (Connie) and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother‑in‑law, Ray Biltoft.

Arrangement details to follow shortly.