James W. "Jim" Rinkenberger, 77, of rural Bluffton, passed away Wednesday morning, Apr. 21, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Jim was born in Peoria, IL, on Apr. 28, 1943, to Joseph and Irene (Meiss) Rinkenberger.  He married Jeanne Gerber in Bluffton on June 18, 1967; she survives.

A 1961 graduate of Cissna Park High School in Illinois, Jim graduated from Illinois State University in 1965.  He later received his master's degree from Oregon State University in 1972.  For almost 30 years Jim was a math teacher, serving 20 of those years at Adams Central Middle and High Schools, retiring in 2006.

Jim was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church, where he served as a minister from 1978 until 2004.  He truly enjoyed his children and grandchildren, and just spending time with family.  He will be remembered as someone who never knew a stranger, but above all else, he loved the Lord and furthering His kingdom.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by three sons, Linc (Catrina) Rinkenberger of Craigville, Luke (Jamie) Rinkenberger of Decatur, and Joel (Stephanie) Rinkenberger of Bluffton; two sisters, Joan (Keith) Hanson of Urbana, IL, and Lori Rinkenberger of Peoria, IL; and four brothers, Larry (Sharon) Rinkenberger of Cissna Park, IL, Jaye (Peg) Rinkenberger of Goodfield, IL; Leon Rinkenberger of Chicago, and Bryon (Joyce) Rinkenberger of Peoria, IL.  He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Chase (Lucia) Rinkenberger, Caitleigh (Dan) Kaehr, Drew (Annie) Rinkenberger, Hannah (Matt) Grimm, Colt (Elly) Rinkenberger, Joel, Gracie, and Rosie Rinkenberger, Jaxson, Saige, Brinlee Rinkenberger, Marcos, Aron, Diego, Cruz, Ithan, and Eric Rinkenberger; and eight great-grandchildren, Sofia Rinkenberger, Livia, Jack, Lila, and Ahna Kaehr, Lincoln Rinkenberger, and Adelaide and Palmer Grimm.

Both parents preceded him in death.

Visitation will be on Friday, Apr. 23, 2021, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton, and on Saturday, Apr. 24 ^th , from noon until 6:00 PM, also at the funeral home.  Services will be on Sunday, Apr. 25 ^th , at 2:00 PM, at the Apostolic Christian Church East, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.  Mark Gerber and John Bradle will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rock Steady Boxing of Bluffton.