A. James (Jim) Tinker
Cedar Rapids
Jim Tinker, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, beloved husband to Jean for 57 years, devoted father to Jennifer, Kathy and Karen and endearing grandfather to five grandchildren (their loving and outdoors loving “grandpa") passed away on Sunday April 21st, after a heroic battle against MDS. Jim passed peacefully with his loving family close by his side. He was predeceased by Jean and his daughter, Kathy.
Jim was an only child born on October 12, 1942, to Ruth and Wilkins Tinker in Butler, Pa. Losing his father at the age of 2, Jim spent his summers at his beloved Uncle Arthur’s farm developing a deep love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing, which remained passions throughout his life. Graduating from Butler High School in 1960, Jim continued his studies at the University of Michigan where he received a Bachelor of Arts. Following graduation, he continued at his alma mater attaining his MHA. Jim’s career was inspired by his desire to make a difference. His children fondly remember him saying his profession was a calling and the results achieved, his blessings.
In 1964, Jim met Jean at her best friend’s wedding (who happened to be Jim’s cousin) in Butler. It was love at first sight, becoming engaged after a whirlwind six-month, long-distance courtship. They wed in 1965, going on to have three wonderful daughters: Jennifer, Kathy and Karen. Their marriage was a beautiful journey making their home in many locations, starting in Ann Arbor, Mich., before relocating to Wilmington, Del., where they welcomed their first child, Jennifer. Madison, Wis., was their next stop, where they became a family of five, welcoming twins, Kathy and Karen. After a fellowship year in Bethesda, Md., they returned to Madison, then Grosse Ile, Mich. Ultimately, Cedar Rapids became their home, where they have made so many close friends and everlasting relationships.
Jim welcomed his two sons-in-law (his true sons) to the family when Karen married Paul DeDomenico in 1994 and Jennifer married Stephen Fawcett in 1997. His five grandchildren--James Nicholas (27), Jonathan (25), Joshua (21), Ava (19) and Elise (18)—were his absolute pride and joy. He was an adoring grandfather. He coached their successes reminding them to always ‘finish strong!’. He would take ‘grandpa risks’ embracing the role of first driving instructor when the boys were just 15! He would also spend countless time sharing his enthusiastic passion for his outdoor pursuits.
Jim moved to Cedar Rapids in 1982 to begin his career at Mercy Medical Center as President and Chief Executive Officer. Through his leadership, Mercy became the fourth largest employer in Cedar Rapids, encompassing over one-million square feet of space with an operating budget of over $150 million. After joining the Mercy family Jim grew the operation from $30.5 million to over $328.4 million in assets all in effort to bring exceptional healthcare to the region. Additionally, under Jim’s tenure, Mercy Medical Center was recognized as a “Top 100” Orthopedic Hospital.
As a visionary, Jim saw the need to provide care when people were not able to see their own doctor. In 1983, he established an urgent care clinic known as Mercy Care North. This type of care relieved the demand for emergency room services, resulting in reduced costs for individuals and employers. Due to their success and popularity Mercy Care facilities grew across the region accommodating healthcare needs throughout Eastern Iowa. During Jim’s tenure Mercy Medical Center created numerous programs and services to align with emerging healthcare trends. The establishment of the Mercy Women’s Center, the first comprehensive women’s center in the state of Iowa is a fine example of that foresight.
Jim’s impact on the Mercy Medical Center family as well as the healthcare industry illustrated his vision and passion for the health and well-being of individuals in the community as well as his strong commitment to volunteerism. Jim supported countless community organizations and championed healthcare on many platforms. His desire to make a difference led him to both local and national boards such as, the American Hospital Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Blue Cross of Iowa, and the United Way of East Central Iowa. His big heart was always on display as witnessed by his involvement with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Jim spearheaded a fundraising campaign that was highly successful and continues to this day. He continued to use his leadership and visionary skills to promote the growth and development of our community as seen in his commitment to organizations such as Priority One, Rotary Club, and Junior Achievement of East Central Iowa. He led a medical group exchange in the early 1990s leading best practices and developing connections with the Stavropol community in Russia. He was always a champion of the fine arts and its value to the community dedicating his time with organizations such as the Cedar Rapids Symphony and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
In 2007, Jim chose to retire and give more attention to more personal pursuits and passions. Travel was a favorite and he and his beautiful Jean became snowbirds, escaping Iowa winters on Amelia Island near Jean’s sister, Mary Beth. Sport remained a favorite pastime and Jim relished all time available for hunting, fly-fishing, playing golf, or exercising his beautiful German shorthairs. Annual trips with friends- often in the hunting fields of South Dakota or fly-fishing out West wading for the next big catch- were a joy! He was also a die-hard sports fan focusing his loyalties on his cherished University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and Iowa (Go Hawks!)! Travel was always a top priority and Jim was able to spend cherished time in South America, Europe, Russia, Canada, and of course, all over the US.
His family and friends will miss him greatly.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Indian Creek Nature Center, United Way, or Mercy Medical Center Foundation.
There will be a private funeral service to celebrate Jim’s life at the Tinker Family Cemetery in Butler, Pa.
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