James S. Blink, Cmdr Usn Ret.

James Seymour Blink, CDR USN (Ret.), 78, of Exeter and The Villages, FL, peacefully passed away at home on December 21, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Beth (Hendrick) Blink.

Born in Chicago, IL, Jim was a son of the late Seymour and Lucille (Vanderbilt) Blink. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he received a degree in architecture. Following college Jim joined the U.S. Navy and attended the Naval War College in Newport. He proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Wright as a crypto communications officer. He continued in the Naval Reserves Sea Bee Unit retiring as a Commander.

Jim was a highly regarded architect in Rhode Island and North Carolina with an eye for modern, crisp lines. Many homes and businesses in the area bear his distinctive contemporary character. Jim was active in the East Greenwich Rotary Club and East Greenwich First Baptist Church. He attended the First Baptist Church of Wickford, where for many years he served as Deacon. Jim was on the Board of Trustees at the John Clarke Retirement Center in Middletown and supported the Chorus of Westerly.

Jim took pleasure in antique cars, boating, and fishing; he enjoyed reading, painting, and traveling; and he loved his family, friends, and serving his community.

Jim is survived by his wife, Beth, and Beth’s children Jaime Jacob and Heather Jacob Turkel; daughter Jolyn Blink Thorn; and brother Duane Blink of Chicago. He was proceeded in death by his twin sister Carolyn Volpe. He will be sadly missed by the many grandchildren who loved him including Mason, Preston, Hannah, Maci-Grace, and Willow.

His Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, December 28th at 11:00am at The First Baptist Church of Wickford, Main St., North Kingstown. Donations in his memory may be made to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.