Meet Jim Kinneman

Jim Kinneman is a public servant, Air Force veteran, problem-solver, and entrepreneur committed to keeping Oak Ridge a thriving, connected community. He believes local government works best when it listens first and acts with purpose. As a current Town Council member, Jim focuses on practical solutions, thoughtful leadership, and putting people over politics.

Jim grew up in a small town as one of eleven children, where he learned early how to build consensus, take responsibility, and value service to others. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served for six years in various assignments, including time as an aircrew member. He flew numerous missions and earned four Air Medals and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Smiling man with glasses in a suit outside, with a building featuring a circular window and landscaping in the background.

Following his military service, Jim built a career in software development—first as an employee, then as a self-employed small business owner. That same hands-on, analytical mindset now guides his approach to public service.

Jim and his wife Carol have been married for nearly 38 years and have called Oak Ridge home since 2000.

From the beginning, Jim jumped into serving Oak Ridge—first on the Planning & Zoning Board, where he saw that in a town like ours, one person really can make a difference. That led him to run for Town Council and later serve as Mayor, where he championed practical, forward-thinking solutions to improve residents' daily lives.

His priorities have included:

  • Investing in smart infrastructure and long-term community needs

  • Protecting Oak Ridge’s character through thoughtful, balanced growth

  • Improving transparency, access, and civic engagement

  • Building a connected, family-friendly, and walkable town

(You can read Jim’s full record and Vision for Oak Ridge by CLICKING HERE)

Jim is also a dedicated community volunteer. He served for five years as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for abused and neglected children—including helping two brothers find a permanent, loving home. As President of the Oak Ridge Lions Club, Jim has spent years serving the blind and visually impaired community by helping residents access vision care services like exams and glasses and increasing accessibility for the blind. He’s also participated in international mission work in Guatemala, installing wood stoves that dramatically improve the health and safety of rural families.

Outside of his public service & volunteer work, Jim’s biggest hobby is baking. Jim is known for showing up to Music in the Park with homemade cookies for volunteers, and neighborhood kids know exactly who to ask when they want a treat.

Jim isn’t running for higher office—he’s running for Oak Ridge. His focus has always been on steady leadership, practical ideas, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way. With your support, he’s ready to keep building a town that works for everyone.

A collage of four images showing a man with glasses and a checkered shirt in various social and outdoor settings. In the top-left, he talks with a young boy at a playground. In the top-right, he sits on steps with a dog. In the bottom-left, he stands outside a Lions Club building wearing sunglasses. In the bottom-right, he is at a dining table with a woman, a man, and a baby, sharing a meal and conversation.