When Larry and JoAnn Kimsey describe their son Mike, it’s evident in their tone they are immensely proud of him.
“He was a champion at everything he’s done: academics, athletics, his career in the Air Force and flying for UPS, the community. His motto was, ‘Let’s make this a better place to be,’ and he did that,” JoAnn told Dateline NBC.
But since May 29th, when they talk about Mike, they discuss what could have happened to him that day.
“We are walking through the darkest tunnel a family can go through,” says JoAnn. “All we want is answers about our son and there have not been any of those.”
Mike was last seen at the home he shared with his wife and seven-year-old son Brody. According to police, his wife woke up that May morning to find her husband gone. His vehicle was still parked in their driveway, as usual, and his shoes were still inside the house. However, his wallet and cellphone were missing.
Law enforcement was reportedly unable to ping his phone, most likely because its battery ran out.
At the time, the 48-year-old was on leave from work after having several major surgeries, his family says. “He flew in the Air Force for 10 years and he’s flown for UPS for about 13 years and was an amazing pilot -- won numerous awards,” Larry told Dateline NBC.
Months have now ticked by with little information as to what became of Mike that day. His family insists he would never abandon his young son and had no reason to leave. The Kimsey family has deep-seeded roots in Tennessee and many in the community have hung yellow ribbons and bows in support. The family has also hired a private investigator to dig up whatever can be found, but few clues have surfaced.
“My wife and myself and our daughter Kathleen have been working tirelessly to find him,” said Larry. “We’re desperate,” JoAnn added.
James ‘Mike’ Kimsey is described as 5’11”, 220 lbs., with grey hair. If you have any information that can help, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department at (502) 574-5673.
You can also visit the Facebook page ‘Help Find Mike Kimsey’ for more information.