Obituary of James Cinglie

James "Chink" Cinglie July 12, 1920 - July 12, 2010 James "Chink" Cinglie was born in Bedford, Ohio on July 12, 1920. He was the son of the late James and Julia (Nagy) Cinglie. He was married to Kathryn "Kiki" Eighmey and had 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He loved baseball and golf, dedicated 3 years of his life to the U.S. Marine Corp and spent 36 years as a Linesman for Consumer Power. It would seem by those few facts alone that Chink led a very full and successful life. Truth be told, these great accomplishments are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding the impact Chink had on those around him during his 90 years. Very early in his life James became familiar with dealing with challenge and tragedy. By the time he was 10 years old James had lost both of his parents to accident and illness. He was fortunate to have sisters that were willing to take him in, but still spent time in an orphanage and experienced years where he never truly had a place to call home. That all began to change while he was living with his sister Marge and her husband Steve in Cleveland, OH. In pursuit of a job, Steve and Marge picked James up and moved to Monroe, MI. It was this time in Monroe that provided James with the relationships and opportunities that would become his legacy. It was early during his time in Monroe that James drew attention for his talents on the baseball diamond. Bing Miller saw James playing one afternoon and approached the boy about playing for the LaSalle Red Sox. It was this invitation that introduced James to the Eighmey family. James's friendship with the Eighmey family led to a job and a place to live on Fred Eighmey's farm and a chance to continue playing the game he loved, baseball. James played for many local teams during his prime, Floral City Ice Cream, Frank and Bills, LaSalle Red Sox and many double A and triple A fast pitch softball teams. His talents were so impressive that they drew the interest of major league scouts as James was twice invited to tryout for the Detroit Tigers at Briggs Stadium. It was the years that James lived on Fred Eighmey's farm that proved to be the most influential years of his life. During this time he forged deep friendships with the Eighmey boys. These friendships would lead to a lifetime full of hunting, baseball playing, golfing and bowling memories. It was also during this time that James met and fell in love with young Kathryn Eighmey. Kathryn lived across the street from Fred Eighmey's farm and a romance blossomed between the two during James's time with the family. Kathryn and James were married in Monroe, MI on April 29,1944. At the time James and Kathryn were married, James was home on leave from the Marine Corp. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1942 where he was stationed in Alaska. He served aboard the aircraft carrier "Independence" in the South Pacific during World War II and was discharged in 1945. James actively served in the Marine Corp for three years but he proudly lived as a Marine until his very last breath. Soon after returning from the Marine Corp, James and Kathryn started a family of their own. They would have four children; Gary, Kim, Becky and Sue, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. It was during these years of raising his own children that James began to recognize the lack of youth baseball in the community. His love for the game naturally drew him to pursue and develop a Little League in the town of Erie. James worked diligently to obtain funding and community support for the league. He literally built the fields from the ground up and in the spring of 1959 saw his dream become a reality. Opening ceremonies for the league involved a parade through the city and speeches by Lieutenant Governor John A Swainson, Detroit Tiger pitcher Dizzy Trout and other local dignitaries. The league consisted of six teams during that first year with James overseeing the league as director for many years. The Erie Little League is still in existence today. James was a charter member of the James E Yenor Post #193 American Legion in Luna Pier, MI, a lifetime member of VFW Post #3925 in Erie, MI and a lifetime member of the Samaria Lodge of Masons. He retired in August of 1983 after 36 years of dedicated service as a Linesman for Consumer Power. James was an avid golfer. He participated in the Senior Citizens league at Green Meadows Golf Course in Monroe, MI and was a member of the Dundee Golf Club. After all of these accomplishments it would still not be a complete reflection of Chink without mentioning some of his antics. Chink had quite a sense of humor. He enjoyed a stiff drink with friends on occasion and a good piece of chocolate as often as he could sneak one. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, sneaking treats to his dog, and drinking a hot cup of coffee while watching the squirrels in the morning. These everyday activities will be missed by family and friends but the stories and memories will never be forgotten. In loving memory of James "Chink" Cinglie. Thanks for the Chunky grandpa. Friends may gather from 1:00pm-8:00pm on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service; Bennett-Erie, 9156 Summit Street, (734) 848-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 16, 2010 at 11:00a.m. with Reverend Mark Smith officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park where graveside services will be under the auspices of VFW Post 3925. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to T.H.A.N.K.S. Inc. of Ida or Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg.