Middlesex – Chief James A. Rinker, 62, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, surrounded by his loving family; passed away suddenly at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Somerset in Somerville on Friday, September 22, 2017. Born in Plainfield to the late Milton, Sr. and Eleanor (Kellerk) Rinker, Jim grew up in Piscataway and settled to Middlesex in 1993.
Jim retired from the Acme in Middlesex where he worked for over twenty-five years as a Receiving Manager and went on to work as a code enforcement officer with Middlesex and Dunellen and most recently, as a Middlesex County Fire Marshall. Devoted to serving his community, Jim has been involved in fire service for most of his life. While living in Piscataway, he was a member of the Piscataway Fire Department and since his move to Middlesex; he has belonged to the Middlesex Fire Department, both at Beechwood Fire Company and finally settling to Pierce Fire Company, where he attained the rank of current Fire Chief. He served proudly on both, the New Jersey State Fireman’s Association and the Chief’s Association and as a delegate for the state convention. An exempt fireman and part of the relief with Middlesex Borough, Jim’s dedication to his community will never be forgotten and will always be remembered as a true Hero. He loved being a mentor, especially to those children that he taught during Fire Prevention Week.
He loved spending time with his family; especially fishing, and wrestling with his grandchildren. Predeceased by his sister Barbara Jones in 2005, Jim leaves behind his wife Lynn of forty years, sons James Rinker, Jr. of Middlesex and Kevin J. Rinker and his wife Stephanie of Palmerton, PA, two grandchildren; Wyatt Joseph and Quentin Charles as well as his sister Eleanor Greene of Piscataway, brother Milton, Jr. and his wife Faye of Phillipsburg and his four legged daughters; Dakota and Casey.
Visitation will be held in Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ 08846 on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 6-8pm, on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 3-8pm, with a 7:00 pm Fire Department Service.
On Friday, September 29, 2017, funeral services will begin at 9:00am in the funeral home followed by a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church in Middlesex. Jim will be laid to rest at Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions sent to the Middlesex Fire Department, 416 A Street, Middlesex, NJ 08846 would be appreciated.
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