Obituary of James Rinn

James Rinn passed from this world peacefully on April 28, 2011. James was born January 14, 1920 to Louis and Edith (Gursling) Rinn, in Lockport, New York. The Lord received a good man back to his side, but Lockport loses a well-liked friend. James was a devout Catholic, and he served many years as an altar boy at St Patrick's church, briefly considering entering the Seminary. But his adult life would take a different direction when he entered the US Army to serve in World War II. He served with great distinction in North Africa and Italy, but his heart always remained in Lockport. Leaving Europe and the Service after the War, that is where he returned, with no desire to leave again. James went to work for Harrison Radiator, the company he proudly retired from after many years of employment. He was happy there, valuing his friends and co-workers highly. But he never retired from his lifelong work of helping people and visiting his many friends. He was always "running errands", traveling around Niagara County. Those errands seemed to always be about helping people: giving rides or delivering items to those who needed a hand. James never asked for anything in return, he would rather give than receive. The life of James Rinn was filled with many stories told and even more friends made, jokes and gossip were his favorite pastimes. He measured success by the number of people he knew; a new acquaintance often began a process of befriending generations within many of Lockport's families. His mind was sharp and quick, with a memory that could recall events and faces (and passages from Shakespeare, prayers in Latin from Sunday mass) from many decades ago. James is survived by a loving niece Amy Rinn-Wilson of Lockport, and nephew, Matthew Rinn of Scottsdale, AZ. He was very proud of his great-niece, Hannah Rose Wilson, and his great-nephew, Nolan Rinn. He will be missed greatly by his family and all who knew him as a sweet and decent man. Friends may call Monday 4 to 6 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 10 AM in All Saints Parish at St. Patrick's R.C. Church. Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery. Memorials to the Dale Association would be appreciated by the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> Friends may call Monday 4 to 6 PM. <h3>Services</h3> A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 10 AM in All Saints Parish at St. Patrick's R.C. Church. <h3>Interment</h3> Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery.