James A. Rinier

James A. Rinier, 90, formerly of Kent, died on November 1, 2013 at the Trinity Grove Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington.

Jim was born on May 22, 1923 in Canton, Ohio. He was the son of Harry and Florence (Orwan) Rhinear and was lovingly raised by his grandparents Sam and Viola Mae Rinier. Jim graduated from McKinley High School, class of 1941, in Canton and remained in close contact with some his classmates throughout his life. He later served in the U. S. Army during World War II in the 595th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion, 5th and 13th Air Force, both in New Guinea and the Philippines. Upon his return from the war, he enrolled at Kent State University in 1946 and completed his B. S/M. S. degrees in geography. He later continued graduate studies at The Ohio State University. He was encouraged to study geography because of his army service and his travel during the war and also through the support of the G. I. Bill. One of his favorite recent experiences was taking part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D. C. in recognition of his earlier service.

Jim framed his view of the world through the lens of geography and that led him to a very successful career in the Kent State University Geography Department where he taught for 51 years. There, through his teaching and research interests, he touched and changed the lives of many hundreds of students. He was honored with the Kent State University Teaching Excellence award in 1969.

His love of teaching and his passion for careful stewardship of our earth's resources compelled him to take on a second career in the continuing education studies at Kent State University. Along with several colleagues, Jim was involved in countless trips that took him to places near and far to the benefit of many students and friends.

Among his most prized recognitions was the Cardinal Award, the highest honor given by Ohio Department of Natural Resources for outstanding contributions to the protection and enjoyment of the state's natural resources. Jim was inducted into the ODNR Hall of Fame in 2009.

Equally important to Jim were his friends of many years and especially his family with whom he loved to spend time. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy (Watson), and their 4 daughters and spouses: Nancy and John Brady of Northampton, MA; Susan and Donald White of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; Kathryn and Davis Baker of Harrison, OH; and Mary and David Lucht of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Jim was a great ambassador of the state of Ohio and was happy to have lived so much of his life there. He also loved the family cottage at Leesville Lake as a place for family gatherings and as a place to enjoy nature and even visited his "little piece of heaven" this past summer.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Kent United Church of Christ. Bissler and Sons will handle local arrangements. Andrews Funeral Home of Wilmington assisted with initial arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Rinier Scholarship Fund at Kent State to help students with the growing cost of higher education at either www. kent.edu or by mail to the Kent State University Foundation office, 1061 Fraternity Circle, Kent, OH 44242.