James L. Rhinesmith passed away November 5th, 2020 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.  Jim was born February 25, 1923 in Ringwood, New Jersey to William H. and Irene (née Brown) on a horse powered farm. He was nurtured in his home church of Midvale where he was one of four Methodist ministers.

Jim served the New York area and The Michigan Conference for 25 years at Messiah; Sandusky: First; Marine City; Oak Park: Faith, and at Trenton: Faith in his retirement. Jim met his wife Eleanor at Union Theological Seminary in New York and they were married for 56 years. They had four children, five grandchildren-and three great-grandchildren.  Eleanor and James were long-time members of Central UMC in Detroit since the 70’s until they moved to Philadelphia in the early 2000’s.

Jim was a peace advocate, good humor man, avid bridge player and late blooming poet. His ministry outside the church included 11 years with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, six years as a career counselor and eight years as a docent at Greenfield Village. 

A Zoom memorial service is being planned for January 2021. More details will be posted when they are made available. 

Last Updated on November 11, 2020