of Rea Valley, AR
June 14, 1937 - November 3, 2019
Jerry McKinnis, 82, a pioneer in outdoors television programming, died Sunday in Little Rock, following a short illness. He was born in St Louis, MO to Lester and Belle McKinnis in 1937.
A former resident of Little Rock, Jerry was residing in Rea Valley, Arkansas. He was best known for his television program The Fishin' Hole, which featured fishing trips with celebrity guests like Hall-of-Fame baseball player, Ted Williams and NCAA basketball coach, Bob Knight.
Jerry started his adult life as a professional baseball player with the Kansas City Athletics organization. In the 1950s, Jerry saved up enough money to go trout fishing on the White River. By the end of the trip, the experience with his river guide, Forrest Wood, had convinced him to move to Arkansas. He started a fishing guide business on the White River, which he operated until 1964 when he moved to Little Rock to build the Maumelle Boat Dock on Lake Maumelle.
While running the boat dock, Jerry began giving a local fishing report for KATV Channel 7 in Little Rock. These reports led to the nationally syndicated outdoors show - The Fishin' Hole. It was one of the longest running shows in television history.
When ESPN launched in 1979, Jerry saw the future and brought ''The Fishin' Hole'' to cable. After SportsCenter, the Fishin' Hole was ESPN's longest running original program on the network. He went on to develop the popular ESPN Outdoors block of programming on Saturday mornings for the network. Jerry's production company, JM Associates was called the networks best friend by ESPN. Some of the shows produced by JM Associates were ''Bassmaster Tournament Trail'', ''The Walmart FLW Tour'', ''The Bassmaster Classic'', Stihl Timbersports Series'', ''Iditarod Sled Dog Race'', ''World Racquetball Championships', ''Great American Events'', ''Spanish Fly with Jose Wejebe'', ''STIHL National Championship Air Races'', ''Super Boat International Championship'' , ''Zona's Awesome Fishing Show'' and ''Cumberland Stories'' among many others.
In 2010, Jerry was part of a group who purchased BASS from ESPN and ran the business successfully until 2018. He was passionate about fishing and was proud of the advancements in the sport that took place under his leadership. He had spent the last year of his life working on his beloved property in Rea Valley, and planning his next creative endeavor.
Jerry McKinnis is enshrined in the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame, the National Fishing Hall of Fame, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Jerry was a skilled carpenter, a legendary storyteller, an ardent animal lover and one heck of a waffle maker.
He is survived by Shannon Nardi of Little Rock; Mark McKinnis of Ventura, California; Mike McKinnis (Pamela) of Little Rock; Matt McKinnis of Little Rock and his life partner, Angie Thompson of Little Rock; 7 grandchildren, Blair Nardi and Chelsey Nardi of St Louis; Michael McKinnis of Little Rock; Damon McKinnis of Los Angeles; Elena McKinnis, Clark McKinnis and Evan McKinnis of Little Rock; great-grandson, Dominic Nardi of St Louis; sister, Judy Rhine of West Plains, MO; nephew, Brian Mason of Rea Valley, AR; nephew, Jeri Rhine (Sondra) of West Plains, MO.
Jerry loved his dachshunds, in lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial contributions may be made to Dachshund Rescue of North America at www.drna.org.
A memorial service will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Dr. in Little Rock, AR on Friday, November 8th at 3pm. An additional service will be held at First Baptist Church, 721 Marion County 7023 in Flippin, AR on Monday, Nov 11 at 2pm.
… oh yeah, Jerry says ''Jeans only''
Sign Guestbook
36 Condolence(s)
Wayne Heckman
Friday, February 9, 2024
I still have the picture of my son holding a 7 lb bass he caught and you autographed it nice catch buddy 40 years ago I will always remember that thanks Jerry GOD SPEED enjoy the fishing hole in heaven
Alton Clark
Thursday, February 8, 2024
It is just like yesteryear when I think of the time's I watched you in my youth and I said That is the kind of Man I want to become to me you are the GOAT ??
Mark Joseph Pervetich
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
God bless you Jerry; I will be wearing my fishin'hole jacket with pride and sorrow
Shawn Killian
Thursday, April 20, 2023
As a life long fan of the fishin hole Im proud to say I became one of Jerry's first Facebook friends. On some rainy weekends I pull out the vcr and vcr tapes I have from years ago. Last time I spoke with Jerry he had mentioned maybe doing something related to the fishing hole some day. May you find a great fishing hole to fish in heaven jerry
Chris Foster
Thursday, November 3, 2022
I was a huge fan of The Fishin' Hole program with Jerry McKinnis. I looked forward to his show on Saturday mornings all week.
As a lifelong fisherman (73 Years Old) and 36 year Volunteer Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Angler Education Instructor, his home grown manner welcomed both experienced and new anglers to fishing.
His calm manner and wonderment at the beauty of the places he fished and the magnificent fish he caught and released was heart warming.
His favorite fish of course were the Smallmouth Bass and he fished both the John Day and Umpqua Rivers in Oregon and he caught and released great numbers of them.
He was just as happy catching and releasing Blue Gill in his home pond with his constant companion Norman, his beautiful Dachshund. Norman always got excited when Jerry reeled a fish in.
Jerry was one of a kind wonderful human being and family man.
Millions of us watched his programs over the decades of his fishing programs.
Jerry, we all miss you and we'll never forget you.
Godspeed.
Chris Foster
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Joe Messinger
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Farewell. Jerry. Thank you for all of the years you brought so much pleasure to all who love to fish and love the outdoors. You were a truly gentle man who will not be forgotten and always remembered with great respect and fondness. Hope to see you again at the "Fishing Hole" on the other side of the mountain.
Bill Patterson
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Just learned of your passing.... you were a true gentleman and I absolutely loved your show. Your son Matt and I were good friends back in Elementary School (Cato) and spent a couple weekends at your house in Little Rock. You were always very kind to me. My condolences to your family.
Marie and steve Lanier
Sunday, April 3, 2022
We just learned of your passing Jerry. We felt we knew you from years of watching your show. We learned so much. The best was acquiring a love for fishing. Thank you.
Corey Hays
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Thanks for all those years I was glued to the fishin hole. You taught me more about fishing than you will ever know. RIP Jerry.
Tony Poole
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Thank You for the entertainment you provided us. Well done Sir. May you Rest In Peace knowing you did a great job. I hope you and your little doggie are having a blast! Love Ya! My condolences to your family and friends! Tony
Mark Michels
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
I want to say I've been sitting in my kitchen isn't some fishing shows and I recently talked to myself I haven't seen the fishing hole in the hot minute? So I Googled Jerry McKinnis and found the unfortunate news. I just want to say my name is Mark Michaels and I live in Milwaukee Wisconsin yeah I've been officially in my whole life. And I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Jerry mechanics in the fishing hole that I watched every single Saturday morning when I was a kid. How was your member Jerry along with many others I'm looking forward to fishing with him in a big pond when my time is up my prayers are with you Jerry and all of your family.
Jeff miller
Thursday, November 11, 2021
I just found out today of the lost of my friend Jerry Mckinnis who I meet in the 1980’s. I still have the hand written letters and the “Fishin Hole†jacket he sent me. He taught me how to fish and more via his wonderful show. He will be missed by me and so many more.
Jessica Hudson
Friday, November 15, 2019
I had the privilege to work for Jerry when I was 18 and just starting life I remember his kindness to me and the family's kindness sorry for your loss I know he left his mark on my life and your too.
Ronnie and Janet Milner
Sunday, November 10, 2019
My wife and I met Jerry at Clear Lake California at a bass Elite tournament. we own dachshunds and
He took time out and talk to us very cool guy you will be missed jerry.
BJ Nelson
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I had the pleasure of fishing with Jerry at Ky Lake. I was thrilled to fish with him. The tournament was even more special because he put me on the fish the first day of the the Stren Series FLW tournament to win on the co-angler side. Jerry I owe my first Ranger Boat to you.
Gregg Patterson
Saturday, November 9, 2019
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God., the holy place where the Most High dwells.†Psalms 46:4
Since entering the city of God last Sunday, I’m sure Jerry and the Almighty have already fished that joyous river, trading fishing stories with the Most High in that campfire conversational way that was his trademark “Fishin’ Hole†style. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being a mentor. Thank you for being a warrior for conservation. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell the fish & wildlife conservation story every week with “The Patterson Report†on ESPN. I will miss you.
Don Curdie
Friday, November 8, 2019
Jerry and I coached Mark and Mike at Junior Deputy from 1972 to1979. Sterling Stores and The Blues!! He was such a great knowledgeable baseball coach. He pitched batting practice for hours on end!!! I learned some great pickoff plays from him , which I still use today as a coach. He loved his boys and he always made it fun!! God Bless Jerry
Randall K Moore
Friday, November 8, 2019
The whole Terry Moore Family and his kids grew up with Jerry McKinnis playing Baseball down at Jr Deputy. Jerry was our Coach and that is how we got to meet all of his kids. He was so much fun to hang out and be around and taught us all how to pitch and throw a curve ball. Years later i was a Freshman in college and home for summer working at the Racquetball Courts in West Little Rock. Jerry was one of the best players at the club and i had been hanging out at Memphis State with the (# 1 players in College) and thought i was pretty good. He beat me every-time we played , but that summer of 1981 was one great Fun summer working and hanging out at the Club and being around all of these great players . Jerry has one incredible personality that made you want to be around him!
Prayers going out to all the McKinnis Family
Randall Moore and the whole Terry Moore Family
Terry-Joy-Terry Jr, Beverly and Chris
Capt. Ray Markham
Thursday, November 7, 2019
For years you took me to your Fishin' Hole. I lived and re-lived your travels year after year. But now you've taken the ultimate trip where every fish is bigger than the last, fights harder than the first, and is a challenge right up to the last cast. I've loved living life through your travels, Jerry, but now look forward to the day when once again you take me back to your Fishin' Hole. God bless you, my friend. May you rest in peace.
John Creager
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Jerry I will miss our talks at your little camp site at Ranchette. Fish on.
David Norcross
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
I only got to meet Jerry once at Bass Pro Shop in Springfield. Was very nice and talked to my young son (at that time). My wife and I always enjoyed the FISHING HOLE on ESPN. I even own a couple of Eagle Claw spinning rods with his name on them. My thanks to his family for sharing him with the rest of us anglers who enjoyed his stories and trips.
Edward Thayer
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
So fortunate to have met Mr. Mckinnis. Truly a gift from the lord. My memories of "The Fishing Hole" are endless. And to have did work for him during his ownership of B.A.S.S. are priceless. My condolences to Mr. Mckinnis's family. Thank you for helping sheltered dogs in his memory, he's very pleased by that.ðŸ™â¤ðŸ¶
Jimmy Powell
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
To Mike, Matt, Mark and the entire McKinnis Family, I extend my sorrow and sympathy to you all...This great loss will not leave you soon and this wonderful legacy of this great man will last forever...I pray that you feel peace and comfort and pride in the loving memories you have and that you share all your stories of your Dad with everyone...it will truly keep him alive in your heart...May the love of the Lord continue to bless you all and keep you all...
Kevin Harris
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Shanon, your Dad truly was a remarkable man. As kids hanging out at your house he always made us all feel welcome. He was what inspired my love of fishing. I know you have great memories to lean on. Prayers to you and the family.
Kevin Harris
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Shanon, your Dad truly was a remarkable man. As kids hanging out at your house he always made us all feel welcome. He was what inspired my love of fishing. I know you have great memories to lean on. Prayers to you and the family.
Lynn and Kathy Duncan
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a wonderful brother-in-law and man. He was great fun to be around. We still think about him often and he will be missed.
John Lewis
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
My condolences to the McKinnis Family.
Jerry McKinnis was the Leader and Visionary of the outdoor film industry. Nobody comes close to achieving the accomplishments in filming and producing outdoor shows that Jerry McKinnis had.
The “Fishing Hole†in Heaven is now open!
John Crabtree
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Jerry brought much joy and entertainment into our lives with the different television programs he developed. I loved his passion for the outdoors. Prayers up for his family.
Connie Foreman
Monday, November 4, 2019
Shannon, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Looks like he was a great outdoorsman. Love the picture of the two of you on your cover page.
May the Lord bless you with peace & His love, especially during this time.
♥ï¸
Renee Thompson
Monday, November 4, 2019
I was a fan of Mr.Jerry watched him for many years .He would always come in to our Flippin Walmart and come back to sporting goods and I got to sell him a fishing license that made my day! He was a really great person and I will miss him.RIP
Renee Thompson
Monday, November 4, 2019
I was a fan of Mr.Jerry watched him for many years .He would always come in to our Flippin Walmart and come back to sporting goods and I got to sell him a fishing license that made my day! He was a really great person and I will miss him.RIP
Ron Moore
Monday, November 4, 2019
Thank you Mr. McKinnis for all you have done for the Great Outdoors. God Bless you and Prayers for your family. I am very Proud for my Son Ronnie to work at
JM Associates. Ron Moore
Adam Guise
Monday, November 4, 2019
Thank you, Jerry...rest well.
Larry and Karen Clark
Monday, November 4, 2019
Jenny Maples
Monday, November 4, 2019
My deep felt condolences
Donna Duncan Passini
Monday, November 4, 2019
Lived life to the fullest and managed to make it more interesting for the rest of us. Such happy memories of the cabin in Paron Ar. So proud to have known you. Go fish with angels dear man