James Lynch

James Lynch, Sr., of North Kingston, ascended to his heavenly home on October 1, 2017.

He passed peacefully at home in the presence of his son and friend, Sally Moltimore.  Born in Bridgeport, CT.  He was the son of Edward Lynch and Maude Mae (Thompson) Lynch.

Affectionately known as Jimmie, he was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mary (Belcher) Lynch.  He leaves to follow a son, James Jr. of Mount Rainier, MD. One brother, Lavelle R. Lynch of Bridgeport Ct, one sister, Mrs. Gladys Swift of Fasion, NC , one sister in law, Mrs. Louise Lynch of Tolland, CT.  He also is survived by several cousins, a host of loving nieces and nephews and many friends.

He began his education at West Virginia State College, in Institute, West Virginia.  In 1952, at the height of the Korean Conflict, he was drafted into the US Army, causing him to delay his education.  Finding military life to his liking and after attending Officers Candidate school, he began his advancement from Private to Lieutenant Colonel.  Between stateside duties, he served abroad in Korea, Germany,  and Vietnam. His assignments were both varied and challenging with his assignment as the III Corps Tactical Zone’s Senior Artillery Advisor to the Corps Commander standing out as his most rewarding and prestigious.

His service in Vietnam and elsewhere, resulted in him receiving over twenty awards and other decorations, including the Army’s Meritorious Service Medal, the Vietnamese Honor Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal. 

While still on active duty, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska, under the Army’s “Bootstrap Program”. His last duty assignment, which brought him to Rhode Island, was as the Senior Artillery Advisor to the Rhode Island National Guard, he retired from the Army in 1972.

Shortly after retirement, civilian employment began, first as Dock Foremen for Roadway Express.  He continued his studies, part-time nights at Bryant College, earning a MBA in 1978.  When the Biltmore Plaza Hotel reopened in 1978, he was hired and became the Director of Human Resources.  He retired from that position in 1998.

While working and completing his MBA, he still found time to perform civic functions.  He served on the Real Estate Assessment Review Board in North Kingstown for sixteen years, ten as chairman while also serving for several years as a member of the State Board of  Elections, being appointed by then Governor Bruce Sundlun. In 1997 he resigned from the Board in order to accept an appointment from Governor Lincoln Almond to the State Ethics Commission, where he served eleven years, the last five of those as the Chairman.  In 2008 he was honored by Operation Clean Government for his dedication while serving.  At the end of his term on this board he was issued a citation that read in part, “In recognition of his courageous efforts to promote honest, responsible and responsive government in Rhode Island.”

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