James Rinderle

James Jude Rinderle, age 67 of Erie, passed peacefully on Sunday, January 17^th at home with his son Ben and beloved Jeanne at his side.  He was born in Erie on May 17, 1953, a son of the late Jack and Ann Rinderle.  He was a 1971 graduate of Cathedral Prep who earned an art degree from Mercyhurst College in 1975.  Jim began his teaching career at St. Peter Cathedral Center.  He taught art across several schools in the Erie School District, spending the majority of his time at Roosevelt Middle School, until 1997.  Jim was selected to join Collegiate Academy when it opened, and was a staff member there until 2015.  Throughout his 40 year teaching career, Jim encouraged art students to push beyond creative boundaries, and his legacy lives on through those who were inspired in his classroom.

Beyond his passion for art, Jim was an active faculty advisor for the Collegiate Academy Robotics team, and traveled with students to compete in tournaments.  He loved to spend  time on Lake Erie in his kayak, roller blading or running at the Peninsula.   Many summers also included traveling to Maine and New York City.  An avid New York Yankees fan, Jim loved all things baseball, especially his years spent coaching his son, Ben. Jim also coached basketball at St. Peters and Roosevelt Middle School.  Over the years, Jim contributed several artwork pieces to the Multiple Sclerosis charity art auction.  He is best known for his intricate pen and ink drawings, most notably of beautiful trees and winter scenes.   His greatest pride and joy was his grandson, Jude.  Watching Jude play baseball and being able to help him learn the basics were highlights for Jim in his final years.  

Jim is survived by his son Ben (Jessica) and his grandson Jude of Waxham, NC; his longtime companion  and caregiver through his illness, Jeanne Kraus; a sister Joyce (Jim) Washburn; and four brothers: Joe (Nancy), Jeff (Sue), Jerry ( Lynette ), and Jack (Mary Ann) Rinderle, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Friends are invited to call on the family on Friday January 22^nd at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26^th St., from 2:00pm – 4:00 and 5:00pm – 7:00pm.  A mass will be held at 11am on Saturday January 23^rd at St. Jude Church 2801 W 6^th Street which will also be livestreamed at www.stjudeapos.org.  Jim was a Partner for Change with Care.org, an organization focused on overcoming poverty.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Care.org.  Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.