Obituary of James Kent Reinker, Sr.

James “Jim” Kent Reinker Sr., 84, has peacefully moved to heaven on Friday, October 30, 2020, after suffering a severe and sudden stroke. Jim made friends wherever he went and truly enjoyed people. A man of family, friends, and faith and always delivering through hard work. He was a constant learner and his interest in things never slowed down - in his 80’s he picked up the game of pickleball. Ever the optimist, he was a lifelong Cleveland Indians and Browns fan. Jim loved golf and his daily walks with his dog Pepper. Jim’s roots were in Ohio and those roots never left him wherever he lived. He was born to parents Milton and Florence Reinker on November 18, 1935, grew up in the greater Cleveland area, and graduated from Ohio University in 1957, where he served in ROTC. After college he moved to Virginia to serve in the army and met the love of his life, Linda. They met in the fall and were married the following February in 1959. Their 61 years of marriage were enjoyed in Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and finally in Clifton Park, New York. Jim is survived by Linda, as well as by their two sons Jim & John and their wives Heidi and Cindy, grandchildren Michael, Paul, Jeffrey, and Callie, and three great grandchildren. Jim loved and was loved by family and his friends. He was very proud of all of their children and grandchildren becoming college graduates with advanced degrees. Jim’s entire professional career was with General Tire, a major supplier to the automotive companies, completing his career as lead application technologist with sales integration. Jim was a passionate car guy, knowing every single car detail and always kept his personal vehicles flawless whether it was his SUV or Corvettes. After his career in the North, he retired to St James, North Carolina for 20 years, where he and Linda enjoyed being with local family. They then moved to Clifton Park NY. In retirement Jim was able to get his fill of golf and continued his enjoyment of his family dogs that were always by his side. Jim developed a huge social network through the Bentley Condominium, YMCA, pickleball friends and as a member of Jonesville UMC. He was a leader of the development of the Bentley community gardens, a cook for both the Bentley and Jonesville UMC breakfasts, a competitor in any pickleball game, but most of all, a great friend to many he would meet and associate with. A small, private, COVID-safe family memorial service will be held in Clifton Park, with committal & burial to follow in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s name to Jonesville United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 963 Main Street, Clifton Park NY 12065. Please include his name in the memo line of check.