James Douglas Brinkman

James Douglas Brinkman, age 60, of Dowling, Michigan passed on Tuesday March 11, 2025 at home after a long illness.

James was born May 19, 1964 in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu to James Raymond and Linda Jo (Davis) Brinkman. He married the love of his life, Mary Jo Amundson-Brinkman on October 12, 2013, she survives. He is also survived by his father, James R. Brinkman, his three sons: Dakota (Pandora) Brinkman, Jade Brinkman, Levi Brinkman and his step-son Joseph Amundson. His sister Lori Brinkman, brother Chris (Sarah) Brinkman and brother Ken (Rose) also survive. James has two grandchildren: Genesis and Ezekiel Brinkman. He was preceded in death by his mother Linda Jo (Davis) Brinkman, brother Douglas Brinkman, and sisters Debbie and Cheryl Brinkman.

James was born into a military family and moved many times. From his birthplace in Hawaii, he moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Dix, New Jersey, Brooklyn, New York, Three Rivers, Michigan, Fairbanks, Alaska (where he was a State Wrestling Champion), and finally to Bronson, Michigan where he played high school football and graduated in 1982.

James enlisted in the Army in 1982 and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He then transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he completed Eye Specialist training. He then transferred to Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio where he completed Advanced Eye Specialist training (Optometry/Opthamology) and Combat Medic training. He then transferred to Fort Ord, California where he served in the Mobile Hospital Unit.

In 1984 he was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Badkreuznach, Germany. He was given three empty rooms and a catalog to order equipment and supplies to set up the eye clinic. He operated the eye clinic conducting flight physicals and exams for glasses and contacts. He also traveled to the hospital to assist in eye surgeries. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1986. He received the Army Achievement Medal twice for his devotion to duty earning him the Oak Leaf Cluster. His other awards and achievements include: the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service; Unit Drug and Alcohol Coordinator; Platoon Sergeant; Expert Marksmanship Badge/ M-16; Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge; Expert Field Medical Badge; Good Conduct Medal (2); and distinguished himself as Non-commissioned Officer in Charge.

While in Germany James completed 11 marathons with and average time of 2 hours and 45 minutes. He also ran volksmarches most weekends logging over 10,000 miles. He coached and played baseball and volleyball. He traveled throughout Europe and states Italy was his favorite country. In 1990 he completed his military service and returned to the United States.

He returned to Germany in 1991 and served in a civilian capacity as a supervisory liaison detective between the Army, Air Force, and the German polizei. In 1993 he returned to the United States.

While working various jobs he attended Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan earning his Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate in 1995 and his Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in 2000. James greatest achievement was working at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan caring for veterans. He has saved the lives of many. He retired in 2018 with a total of 32 years of federal service

James was baptized in 2013 and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a Melchizedek Priesthood holder and always strived to live according to God’s commandments and serve others. He was loved and admired by many and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1312 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015 where services to celebrate his life will begin at 12:00 noon. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in James’s memory may be directed to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Personal messages for his family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.