James “Jim” Edward Phinney of Chelsea, Michigan, age 73, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born June 29, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of James Edward and Florence J. (Thomas) Phinney.
Jim grew up in Chelsea, farming with his father. He graduated from Chelsea High school, Cum Laude, in 1970. Jim went to the University of Michigan for a few years and worked for the University of Michigan Hospital. He later completed his schooling and worked as a programmer and systems analyst. He designed and wrote programs to run computers. Jim was brilliant, which is why he was in high demand, and was sent to London to help them set up a program there. Jim lived in Arkansas, Boston, Massachusetts, and Georgia, before moving back to Chelsea. He was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. He loved football, science fiction, music, the Far Side, and working out.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Heather Phinney of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Amber (Davey) Davis of Tennessee; brother, Chris Phinney of Chelsea; sister, Kathleen Phinney of Chelsea; and grandchildren, Sylvia and Rebecca. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, John Phinney.
A Funeral Mass was held Friday, February 27, 2026, 11 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. The family received friends Thursday, February 26, at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, from 6 - 7 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7 pm; and visitation at the church Friday, from 10 - 11 am.
Click here to watch the video of Jim's Vigil Service.
Click here to watch the video of Jim's Funeral Mass.
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Comments
RIP Jim, my dear chum.
I hope to see you again!
Jack
My heart is so sad for you both and for all of us who loved Jim.
One of my favorite childhood memories was coming to your farm and your Dad and Jim took me out on the boat, and I waterskied for the first time in my life! They both couldn't believe I stayed up on those skis! It was so much fun!
Jim visited my husband Jay and I and the Phinney gang, (Uncle Mark's family) in Cape May a few times and we loved to have him! He was a fine man, smart, strong in his beliefs and his love of family!
He will be missed and forever loved by me and many other people.
Feel free to call me any time.
Your cousin,
Margaret Kittner Bethel
My heart hurts for you, but I know your cherished family memories will get you through this tough time. I also have cherished memories of visiting my 'farm' cousins on their farm. I think about you often and the call from Vicki was heart wrenching.
Prayers for you and for Jimmy's children and grandchildren.
Love you all....cousin Gail
Thank you Lynnsie!!