James “Jimmy” Andrew Brinker, age 71, passed away at Reid Health Hospice Care surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 3, 2021. He was born on November 16, 1949, to Robert and Mary Ellen Brinker, who preceded him in death, and lived in Richmond all of his life. At age 7, while on vacation with his family, Jimmy was bitten by a mosquito and contracted encephalitis which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. He was lovingly cared for by his mother for his entire life until a few months ago when she passed away in April of this year. Jimmy attended special education classes in the Richmond Community School System for several years and was a lifelong member of St. Andrew Catholic Church. In his youth, he enjoyed playing Boston Little League Baseball, boating on the Ohio River, traveling to many foreign countries with his family and loved listening to music. In later years, he worked at the family furniture store, Hackman-Eickemeyer, and enjoyed doing outside chores at home when his health permitted. He was so happy being surrounded by his loving family and was known for his sweet spirit and gentle heart. Jimmy encountered several serious surgeries and setbacks during his lifetime, but he never complained during those dark times and his strong faith and belief in God were always what he cherished most. His enduring smile will be remembered by everyone. To know Jimmy was to love him.
Left to treasure his memory are his sisters, Linda (Gary) Matthews of Indianapolis, Indiana and Susan Elstro of Richmond, Indiana; nephews and nieces, Scott (Jen) Matthews of Fishers, Indiana, Ann (Gaar) Nolte of Riverview, Florida, Jennifer (Danny) Quinn of Dublin, Ohio, Melissa (Jack) Howe of Richmond, Indiana, and Laura Elstro of Richmond, Indiana; great nephews and nieces, John and Abby Nolte, Ben Matthews, Caitlyn, Avery and Evelyn Quinn, Andrew, Jenna and Emily Howe; great-great niece, Aubrey Skidmore and loving cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and a great nephew, Jackson Howe.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, July 9, 2021, at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Burial will immediately follow in Lutherania cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 12:15 P.M. at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary on Friday, July 9, 2021, followed by a short prayer and procession to St. Andrew Church. Memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy’s name to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.