Published Friday, August 25, 2000 Local architect J. Rink dies of lung cancer at 55 By Veronica Chapin Times-Union staff writer, James Edward Rink Jr., a Jacksonville architect whose work can be seen throughout the area, died Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer. He was 55. Mr. Rink moved to Jacksonville in 1972 to begin his architectural career. After holding positions with local firms, he ventured out on his own in 1984, and opened what is now known as Rink Reynolds Diamond Fisher Architects. Some of the work his firm completed includes the LaVilla School of the Arts, Vistakon facility, AT&T Universal Card Service and the Gate headquarters building. He also designed 11 First Union branches, the Liberty Business Park and handled restoration plans for the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Mr. Rink was described by his partner and longtime friend Tom Reynolds as a quiet man with a good sense of humor and a passion for sailing. "When he talked, people listened," Reynolds said. "He was a warm and gentle person. . . . He touched a lot of people's lives, more than we ever knew." In 1979, Mr. Rink was elected to the San Marco Preservation Society board. He served as its president in 1980 and lived in San Marco on the St. Johns River. He is survived by his wife, Connie; their children, Logan and Annessa; his father, Jim Rink Sr.; and two granddaughters. Mr. Rink was cremated.