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 will be 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 will receive 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.
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