James Byron Zink

July 5, 1929 – March 2, 2024

James Byron Zink of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was 94. Jim will forever be known for his keen mind, poetry, limericks, groan-inducing jokes, love of music and literature, and steadfast friendship.

He was born at home in Marion, Ohio to Harry Zink and Zelda Watkins Zink and he was preceded in death by his brother Harry, Jr. and his dear cousin Jane Ware.

Jim began working in high school with jobs as a movie theater usher making 25 cents an hour and at Isaly's Dairy in Marion scooping ice cream. He graduated from Saint Mary High School in Marion in 1947. He went on to attend The Ohio State University and graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Agriculture in 1951. He remained a loyal Buckeye fan for life. He did 4 years of ROTC and served 2 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force and as a Reservist and retired with the rank of Major. His civilian career included working at Central Grain & Malting Co, Hecht Co., 3 years at Hazelton Research, and 29 years as a chemist at the U. S. Bureau of Mines in College Park, Maryland, from which he retired as a federal employee. He subsequently worked 6 years at the University of Maryland University College where he taught classes on literature.

His interests included volunteering as Newsletter Editor, Membership Chair and Treasurer for his local chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE); conducting historical and genealogical research; researching the history of the Washington Aqueduct and its designer Montgomery C. Meigs for a book on Meigs life; sending out-of-the-ordinary Christmas cards with many and varied stamps; and over his lifetime owning antique and classic cars.

Jim was a member of St. Raphael Church in Rockville where he volunteered as a science fair judge for the school.

He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Margaret Jean Byrne Zink, for 50 years. They met at the Gardner School of Business in Silver Spring, MD and married in 1956. He was preceded in death by her in 2006. He is survived by his daughter Janis Zink Sartucci and her husband Jim; and his two grandchildren, Matthew and his wife Brenna, and Daniel.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ho Vu, Jesse and Aura at Rockville Physical Therapy. Jim thoroughly enjoyed his work outs and feeling fit in his 94th year.

Family will receive friends at Pumphrey's Colonial Funeral Home, 300 W. Montgomery Ave, Rockville, MD on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville, MD on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim's name to Montgomery History, 111 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850.

Please view and sign the family guest book at: