James Albert Sink

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Jim, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      Jim was born on October 10, 1945 at Ransom Memorial Hospital in Ottawa, Kansas. He was the son of George Albert and Nellie Naomi Sink. Raised in Ottawa and Wichita Kansas and after age 14 Buena Park, California, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Jim was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, James was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Jim was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Jim also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Jim was raised with two siblings. He had one younger sister, Mary and one younger brother, Mike. Jim was constantly involved in activities with his family. Jim and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, Jim was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Jim was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Jim was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Jim took part in a number of activities as a child. In his spare time he liked to fish. Jim's memorable achievements included his professional photography.

      Jim enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Jim was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Jim was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He graduated from Buena Park High School in 1964. Jim enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr Follet.

      Most folks would say that Jim was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Jim was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Jim best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, Jim kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Greg Kirkwood and Roger Lyles. Later in high school, he became friends with Bob Zornes- Best Man at his wedding to Donna and later in life, Frank and Kathy Rujsz also in their wedding.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Jim. On March 2, 1968 Jim married Donna Gayle Spurlock at Church of the Reflections at Knotts Berry Farm of Buena Park, California. He was totally committed to Donna and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Jim naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Jim disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Jim was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Jim was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Jim was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Jim was blessed with two fine sons, James Albert Sink II and Jason Allan Sink. They were also blessed with two grandsons, James Albert Sink III and Frank Aaron Sink.

      If you gave Jim a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Jim was always on task. Without hesitation, Jim could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was a Business Owner. He was self employed. During that time, Jim excelled in working with all levels of business professionals. He was always willing to lend a hand in any renovation projects his children had going on with their homes. He would show up, tools in hand, ready to go! Sometimes it was like watching Laurel and Hardy meets Bob Villa, but Jim's comic relief in the midst of hard labor made the project much more fun for everyone.

     Jim liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Jim's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Jim preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were photography and fishing and boating with his family. Jim was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

      While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Jim often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. Recreational sports included weightlifting and he was an avid Health Club Member. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Football - Arizona Cardinals.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Jim. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He attended Vineyard Church North Phoenix.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Jim had smooth sailing. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included snorkeling in Maui, Hawaii and fishing in the Colorado River.

       There wasn't an animal Jim didn't love, but his first pet when he got married was Joey, a poodle/collie mix, who was his best friend for 10 years. His family was rounded out by his two cats - Boo Boo Kitty and Buckwheat. Jim was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      When Jim's retirement finally arrived in 2010, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. He lived and retired in the Phoenix Arizona area. In retirement, he found new pleasure in weightlifting, boating and photography and his children and grandchildren. Even in retirement, James continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Jim passed away on April 2, 2013 at The Forum Hospice in Peoria Arizona. Jim fought a brave battle against cancer for 2 years. He is survived by his wife Donna, sons Jason and James II and wife Charisse and grandchildren James III and Aaron. Services were held at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary. Jim was cremated and his urn is at his home with his wife.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Jim was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Jim was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Jim Sink was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Jim. He will be missed.