James R. Reinknecht, 77, of Berlin, MD, passed away on September 4, 2022, in Morristown, NJ. The youngest of four children, he was born in Hoboken, NJ to Fred and Anna (Stoehrer) Reinknecht on September 10, 1944.
Jim spent the majority of his career as the Chief Mechanical Officer for NJ Transit in Newark, NJ. He also worked for numerous other railroad companies including, Bombardier, Allstrom, and Herzog Railroads.
He grew up in Wood-Ridge, NJ, where he met his high school sweetheart, Patricia. They were married for 57 years. They moved from Wood-Ridge to Wantage, NJ where they raised their family.
After retiring from NJ Transit, additional career opportunities led them to California, Washington D.C., Florida and Annapolis, MD. They ultimately settled in Berlin, MD while spending their summers on the water in Ocean City.
He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and spending time on his boat. Above all, he adored being with his family and was the proud loving Dad of five daughters, Grandpa to twelve grandchildren and Great-Grandpa to four great grandchildren.
To know Jim was to love him. Jim had a big and generous heart, an amazing sense of humor, incredible wit, an infectious laugh and was always the life of any party.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters; Deborah Slate, husband Doug of Augusta, NJ, Laurie Strout, husband Brian of Blairstown, NJ, Diane Hallee, husband Chris of East Bridgewater, MA, Janet Agnew, husband Bill of Fort Mill, SC and Patricia Reinknecht, partner Ali of Hamilton, OH. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ryan, wife Morgan, Emily, husband Diego, Caitlin, Kevin, Nicole, fiancé Josh, James, Kara, Meghan, Danielle, Jessica, Emma and Brendan and his great grandchildren, Abigail, Olivia, Benjamin and Nora, several nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind his faithful pup Sadie Grace.
A Mass will be held at a later date at Holy Savior Church in Ocean City, MD. Arrangements are under the direction of Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Route 94, Blairstown, NJ 07825.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Ocean City Reef Foundation (www.ocreefs.org) or the Wilmer Eye Institute at John Hopkins Medicine (www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/charitable-giving/).