James “Jim” Randolph Brinkley

James “Jim” Randolph Brinkley, of Whitestown, IN, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024, at the age of 77, at his home surrounded by family after a battle with Alzheimer’s. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ, dedication to his family, and service to his community.

Born on April 17, 1947, in Newport News, VA to William Legare and Eva Mae (Trench) Brinkley, Jim led a life honoring the Scout Oath and Law by fulfilling his duty to God, his country, and helping people at all times. His commitment to these values inspired him in his career as an engineering technician, his ministry as a pastor, his work as a chaplain, and his loving support of his family.

Jim married his high school sweetheart Lynne Dannelly in 1968, and they shared life together in Newport News, VA, and Bettendorf, IA, before moving to Whitestown, IN. A 1965 graduate of Newport News High School and a 1969 graduate of Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Apprentice School, Jim received his BA from Western Illinois University in 1999, and his MA in Organizational Leadership from St. Ambrose University in 2004. Jim pursued excellence in his career working for the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, NASA Langley Research Center, and later the Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL. After retirement he worked for his daughter’s small business with Merle Norman Cosmetics in Indiana.

Beyond his distinguished career with the government, Jim was an ordained minister with the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) and served in pastoral ministry for over twenty years. He volunteered as a prison chaplain and held pastoral roles at Rock Church of Rock Island, Rock Island, IL, First Assembly of God Church, LeClaire, IA, Valley Baptist Church, Bettendorf, IA, Ebenezer Church of God, Geneseo, IL, and Chapel of Praise Church of God, Muscatine, IA. He helped establish and served on the board of Quad Cities Christian Schools, Moline, IL.

An accomplished artist and self-taught coppersmith, Jim designed and hand-crafted jewelry, historical pieces for festivals in Virginia, the Yorktown Bicentennial Medallion, as well as heirloom pieces for his family. Jim played the trumpet and sang often. He loved scouting and served as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, District Commissioner, and Camp Chaplain. He received the Eagle Scout Award, Scouter’s Training Award, Cubmaster’s Key Award, Scoutmaster’s Key Award, District Award of Merit, Wood Badge Training Award, and the Silver Beaver Award. His happy place was attending Boy Scout Jamborees, including the 50th National Jamboree at Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM, where he was chaplain.

Jim’s greatest joy and source of pride were his roles as husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He loved tradition and created cherished memories with his wife and daughters on adventure-filled trips, visits to museums, archaeological digs, and campouts. His grandchildren knew him as “Papa,” and he filled their lives with bear hugs, funny stories, ice cream, and movies that featured talking animals. His faith in Jesus Christ, remarkable intelligence, compassionate heart, listening ear, and witty sense of humor will continue to inspire and guide

his loved ones for generations to come.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Faye (Russell) McNamara, his brother William Brinkley Jr., and his nephew Joe McNamara.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynne (Dannelly) Brinkley, his children Shannon (Mike) Temaat, Meredith (Eric) Poland, Charity (Joe) Stibolt, his grandchildren Brillana and Elliot Temaat, Chloe, Levi, and Bradley Poland, Rheagan, Hadlea, Eli, and Miles Stibolt, his nieces Julie (Harvey) Doyle, Lisa (Ray) Winebarger, and his nephew Beau Brinkley.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 6pm to 8pm at Simplicity Funeral & Cremation Care, 125 W Sycamore St, Zionsville, IN 46077. Services and burial will be private.

Memorial Contributions in his honor can be made to Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, Golden-Burke Scout Center, 7125 Fall Creek Road North, Indianapolis, IN 46256, https://www.crossroadsbsa.org/support/make-a-donation/give-now/ or Church of God, 2490 Keith Street, P.O. Box 2430, Cleveland, TN 37320-2430, https://app.securegive.com/ChurchofGod/church-of-god-intl-offices/donate/category

You are invited to read Jim’s obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, where you may sign the guest book and leave a personal message for the family.

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