Rev. James P. Frink

The Rev. James Phillip Frink, 95 1/2 years old, died peacefully at home in Smithfield on July 24, 2024. He was born in St. Johnsbury, VT and grew up in No. Haverhill, New Hampshire. He came south to RI to pursue graduate studies in mathematics at Brown and his future took quite a turn when he left Brown for seminary at Nashotah House in Wisconsin. He was ordained both Deacon and Priest in 1959 and his ministry was always connected to the Diocese of Rhode Island.

 He always saw himself as a parish priest, serving the congregations of St. Peter’s, Johnston from 1959-1962; St. Mary’s, East Providence from 1962-1970 and Trinity Church, No. Scituate from 1971 until his official retirement in 1996. After that, he served where needed for one Sunday or a few months. He only really retired a few years ago! Along the way he was active in diocesan affairs, the Cursillo movement and the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag; he was also a part time chaplain at the VA Hospital in Providence.

 He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Caryl S. Frink, whom he met at ECC when both were volunteers. He is also survived by his children: Mary Frink of Everett, MA and Andrew Frink (Jennifer) of Francis, UT. As a family, they treasured their two weeks in Vermont each summer, renting 20 different properties through the years and perfecting the impromptu bread and cheese picnic!

 He began reading science fiction as a boy and leaves behind an extensive library. His first computer was an Apple II; he was a longtime member of the RI Macintosh User Group and his last cup of coffee was from his RiMUG mug. 

Until the last few weeks, he read his daily prayers on his iPad - loyal.

 Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 3-6 pm in the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence. A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at 11 am Monday, July 29th at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 490 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Church of the Good Shepherd.