Obituary and Service Information for Jim Tiner (1949-2025)

Jim Tiner Obituary

Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Jimmy “Jim” Tiner passed away peacefully on 24 November 2025. He was born on 15 January 1949 in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from W.W. Samuel High School in 1968.

After graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a distinguished career that spanned from 25 September 1968 to 1 February 2006. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, as well as the Gulf War. His decades of faithful service reflected extraordinary professionalism, courage, and devotion to duty. As a career Soldier, Jim embodied the values of sacrifice, integrity, and commitment that defined his life and inspired all who knew him.

Jim’s military career included assignments at Camp Casey, Korea; Stuttgart and Frankfurt, Germany; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was awarded the Association of Quartermasters Distinguished Order of Saint Martin in 2005, appointed a Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Regiment in 1998, and inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame in 2010. His other military awards include the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award); Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award); National Defense Service Medal (3rd Award); Korea Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and the Master Parachutist Badge.

While stationed in Germany in 1981, Jim discovered what would become his lifelong hobby and passion: skeet shooting. He became a steadfast leader within the National Skeet Shooting Association, across Zone 4, and throughout the North Carolina Skeet Shooting Association. Jim was a respected, steady presence at the Fort Bragg Clay Target Center, where his leadership and dedication helped the Center host the Junior World Skeet Championships in 2015 and 2019 and earn multiple Club of the Year honors. His mentorship, generosity, and genuine care for shooters of every age and experience level strengthened the sport and enriched countless lives. He was inducted into the NCSSA Hall of Fame in 2019 and the NSSA Hall of Fame in 2023.

Jim was a Freemason, a member of the Scottish Rite, and active in numerous military and civilian organizations. A proud Texan and Soldier for all his days, he lived a life defined by service to his country, to his community, and to the people he loved. He shared an unbreakable bond with his faithful dog, Lexi, whose presence brought him great comfort and companionship.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of more than 46 years, Belinda (Bowersox) Tiner. He was the son of the late Martha Jo (Battles) Tiner and Henry Bivin Tiner. He is also survived by his brother, Larry B. Tiner (Jill) of Athens, Texas; nephew Larry B. Tiner Jr. (Ashley) of Eustace, Texas; brother-in-law Alan Bowersox of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law Deborah Bowersox Smith (Rich) of Manheim, Pennsylvania; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. on 9 December at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake, North Carolina, with Military Honors and Masonic Services, followed by services at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2505 Village Dr., Fayetteville, North Carolina.

PLEASE NOTE: Jim’s memorial service will be live streamed, accessible by clicking here and scrolling down to the “Services” section.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on line to the 82nd Airborne Div Association at  82ndairborneassociation.org or to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation at  specialops.org

NCSSA to Induct Two New Hall of Famers on Sept. 6 - Hostinsky and Pittard Headed to the Hall

Kevin Hostinsky and Mike Pittard will be honored as new NCSSA Hall of Famers (Class of 2025) during an induction dinner on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Fort Bragg Clay Target Center as part of the 86th Annual North Carolina State Skeet Championships.

Both will be honored for their rich shooting history during the dinner, which is expected to commence following the day’s event shoot offs. Please plan to join us for the event and induction.

86th Annual NC Skeet Championships Registration Opens Aug. 4

Registration for the 86th Annual North Carolina Skeet Championships (Open), which will be held Sept. 5-7 at Ft. Bragg Clay Target Center, opens on August 4th.

Registration will be done via iSkeet, which can be accessed by clicking here.

Full details on the 2025 shoot can be found in our event program, which is available to download below. We look forward to a fantastic 2025 event!

Remembering Rebecca Cloninger

By Kurt Culbert, NCSSA President

Their intentions are ruthless, these scammers who spend days and nights trying to coax good people out of hard earned money. They’re also relentless, sending texts and emails impersonating officers of organizations to try and get other officers to send money.

For Rebecca and me, they sort of became a bit of shared humor, often highlighting the notes with broken English asking her to send gift cards because I was “trying to feed the homeless persons.”

One phoney character even signed off with “Sincerely” - prompting me to joke with Rebecca that I’d never use sincerely!

The imposters, though, they had nothing on this cancer. And this cancer? It was no laughing matter.

Rebecca Cloninger passed away Sunday, following a valiant battle with cancer. She was 50. She leaves behind her husband, Jason, and two daughters Corrie and Josie. The entire skeet community joins her family in mourning Rebecca’s loss. Her impact, most recently as the NCSSA Treasurer, was mighty.

We all know people like Rebecca. They’re some of the favorite people in your lives. She was the epitome of a “get it done” kind of teammate. And she played that role masterfully as an executive with Cloninger’s Incorporated and several clubs and organizations she helped operate. Simply put, Rebecca helped keep the train on the tracks.

One needs only to look at the children of someone to understand what kind of parent they are. Rebecca and Jason have raised two strong, independent and successful daughters in Corrie and Josie. They’re respected near and far for their talents in traversing the eight-station skeet field, but that respect and admiration extends beyond their talents and into their conduct and behavior. Their character is a reflection of a mother who was ever-present, always leading by quiet, powerful example.

Her legacy echoes far and wide, yet it finds its clearest voice in Corrie and Josie.

Josie won the NC Junior State Championship just two weeks ago. My son, Reid, won the Sub Junior. The first congratulations note I got? It was Rebecca. It came before we even got the awards ceremony completed. That’s the humility and genuine demeanor she always displayed. It was not uncommon for her to get as excited for other kids’ success as the parents and kids themselves.

Just last week, Rebecca shared one of those silly imposter emails my way. The scammer noted his “credence” in her taking care of sending gift cards. Heck, even the fraudster knew she was reliable.

I’m thankful Rebecca is healed from the terrible disease, no doubt living out her faithful promise in Heaven. I’ll bet there are no scammers there.

Godspeed Rebecca Cloninger.

Sincerely Your friend,
Kurt

Read Rebecca’s Obituary here.

Obituary: Rebecca Ramsey Cloninger

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of NCSSA Treasurer Rebecca Ramsey Cloninger. Rebecca was a steadfast supporter of skeet in North Carolina and will be missed by the skeet community. She also was an ardent supporter of her daughters, Corrie and Josie. Please join the NCSSA in sharing its thoughts and prayers for Jason and the entire Cloninger family.

Rebecca Cloninger (L) with daughter Corrie in 2024.

BESSEMER CITY (NC) - Rebecca Ramsey Cloninger, 50, of Bessemer City passed away peacefully July 13, 2025 at Caromont Regional Medical Center, Gastonia, after a years long fight with cancer. A native of Gaston County, she was the daughter of the late Robert Frederick Ramsey and Dorothy Paysour Ramsey.

Rebecca was educated in Gaston County Schools and received her associates degree at Gaston College. She was the CFO of Cloninger’s Incorporated for 24 years. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Gastonia, where she was the coordinator of the Backpack Weekend Food Program. She loved travelling with her family to watch her girls compete in skeet shooting competitions and horse shows.

Rebecca was a hardworking, dedicated mother, a loving wife, and a loyal friend whose strength and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She found joy in the simple things — riding around the farm, tending to her chickens and cows, and embracing each day with quiet purpose. Her love for her family was unwavering, her hands always busy, and her heart always full. Through all the trials of life, her faith never faltered. A strong Christian woman, she lived out her beliefs with grace, humility, and compassion. Her life was a testament to perseverance, service, and the deep, enduring love she poured into her home and community. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, faith, and love — one that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In addition to her mother, Dot Ramsey of Gastonia; Rebecca is survived by her husband of 25 years, Jason D. Cloninger; daughters, Corrie Cloninger and Josie Cloninger, both of Bessemer City; sisters, Robin and Regina Ramsey, both of Gastonia; Father and Mother and law, Mervin and Anne Cloninger of Dallas; nieces, Morgan, Taylor, and Payton Williams, Blair Younts (Jordan); and nephew, Evan Gibson (Allison); great niece and nephew, Mila and Jasper Younts; as well as a multitude of close friends and extended family.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 PM Friday July 18th at in the parlor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Ryan Henkel at 4:00 P.M. Friday July 18 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 805 S. York St., Gastonia, N.C. 28052. Interment will follow at Antioch Lutheran Church, Dallas. Memorials may be made to the Backpack Weekend Food Program, 1554 Union Rd., Suite D., Gastonia, N.C. 28054.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia, NC is in charge of arrangements. Condolence messages may be sent online at www.mcleanfuneral.com.