Kinsey’s Inc. Mourns the Passing of Jim Kinsey
MOUNT JOY, PA — Members of the local Mount Joy community, as well as members of the archery industry at large, are mourning the loss of Jim Kinsey who passed away Tuesday, Jan. 18th, 2022 at the age of 84.
Jim’s father, Vernon Kinsey, founded Kinsey’s as a local archery retail store in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania in 1952.
Jim Kinsey then pioneered the distribution portion of the business laying the ground work for what Kinsey’s is today. Starting in 1957, Jim was instrumental in distributing arrows to retailers throughout the Northeast. He also spearheaded the company’s arrow manufacturing division by cementing contracts with both Colt Firearms and Bear Archery.
Jim led the family business for 40 years from 1957 through 1997 before passing the reins onto his children, 3rd generation owners, Rick Kinsey and Sherri Gorman. Mr. Kinsey stayed connected to the business through 2013 when he formally retired.
Throughout the industry, Jim was known to be extremely kind and relational. There are numerous stories throughout the industry where Jim gave both vendors and dealers their first start by connecting buyers and sellers using his vision for the distribution model.
Rick and Sherri put out a statement stating, “He was a very passionate outdoor enthusiast and avid archer. Kinsey’s was his life’s work and he dedicated over 50 years of service to the organization and the archery industry. We would like to thank him for all that he has done for Kinsey’s, but even more so for us as a family. He will be greatly missed.”
He will be forever remembered as one of the founding fathers of Kinsey’s Inc.
Industry titans, Easton and Bear Archery, had this to say:
Greg Easton, President of Jas. D. Easton, Inc., stated, “All of us at Easton mourn the passing of Jim Kinsey. Jim was known in the industry as an excellent businessman. But he was also known as a true gentleman; always kind and considerate to those around him. My grandfather Doug, my father Jim, and I have always enjoyed working with the Kinsey family over the years. We are saddened by the loss of this generation and this fine man.”
Neil Byce III, Director of Operations – Bear Archery, stated, “The entire team at Bear Archery expresses condolences to the Kinsey family. Mr. Kinsey and Mr. Bear were partners and two great icons in the industry that revolutionized the way we operate today. Mr. Kinsey will be greatly missed and will always be remembered.”
Details of his memorial services will be determined and shared at a later time and date.
In memoriam: Jim Kinsey (July 18th, 1937 – January 18
