James Stokes Pinyan

DENTON-James Stokes Pinyan James Stokes Pinyan of Denton died peacefully on the morning of February 8, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bertha Pinyan; two sisters, Ruby Rich and Mildred Wilson, and two brothers, Elmo and John Pinyan. He is survived by two sisters: Edna Kyles of Lexington and Margaret Williams of Denton. Jim leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Ruth Pinyan, of the home. Survivors also include his children, Laura E. Pinyan of Tehachapi , CA , James A. Pinyan (Alison) of Calabasas, CA , and Katherine A. Pinyan (Kent Tager) of Greensboro, NC and the mother of his children, Sylvia Pinyan of Winston-Salem. He is survived by four grandchildren, Stephanie and Amanda Pinyan, children of James and Alison, Ryan Andrews, son of James and Marsha Andrews, and Halie Cunningham, daughter of Beverly and Mike Cunningham. Jim also is survived by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Having a deep concern for children, Jim was an active fundraiser for the Shriners Children’s Hospitals. He was an active member of the Shriners of Lexington, NC and he maintained membership with the Masons in New York. Jim was a lifetime member of Amvets Post 240 in Denton. Jim was also a lifelong nature lover and an avid bird watcher. Mr. Pinyan was a merchant seaman during WWII. The ships in his convoy were torpedoed three times. He was also a member of the US Army during the Korean War. Jim worked as a maintenance engineer for Macy’s in New York and then for Schlitz/Stroh’s brewery in Winston-Salem. For a period of time while employed at the brewery he also served as a union shop steward. Jim was a person of strong convictions and he judged people by what was in their hearts rather than by their income or education. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospitals c/o Lexington Shrine Club, 1232 Spring Dr., Lexington NC 27292. A memorial service will be held Tuesday February 12, 2008 at 5:00 PM at Briggs Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Rev. Sandy Young officiating