James Ralph Rininger, 80, of Hart, passed away January 31, 2023, from a massive stroke. He was born September 17, 1942, in Douglas, Michigan, the son of Ralph and Mary (Bolton) Rininger.

Jim married the love of his life, Sandra Smith, on October 21, 1961. They spent 61 happy years together.

Jim was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 324 for 55 years. He operated heavy equipment for 25 years, then became a mechanic for heavy equipment, and retired at the age of 55. He then tried his hand at selling used cars. Jim then became manager/secretary of the Oceana Eagles 3167, where he was a lifetime member; he held the position for 19 years, retiring in 2017. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing with friends, rebuilding a plane, and three boats.

Jim and Sandi loved riding their Harley Davidson motorcycle. They put a lot of miles on their bike, covering every state except for Hawaii & Alaska. He was a member of the Fremont Harley Owners group, and a member of the American Legion in Hesperia.

Jim is survived by: his loving wife, Sandra Rininger; his son, Rodney; daughter, Rhonda; grandchildren, Holly Thomas (JR), Elizabeth Kempker, and Cody Rininger (Autumn); great- grandchildren, Nevaeh, Malakai, Janiyah, and Jr. Thomas, Devyn Kempker, Emily and Braelynn Sheafor, Lilah, and Violet and Natalie Rininger; and brothers, Charles (Diane) Rininger and Ray (Jane) Rininger of California.

James was preceded in death by: his parents; his in-laws; and sister, Tiney.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI, 49420. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service, at the funeral home. There will be a luncheon to follow services at the Oceana Eagles, Oceana Drive, Hart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 457, Hart, MI 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com