James W. "Jim" Brinkley

August 5, 1935 - July 13, 2018

BRINKLEY, James W., (Jim) age 82 of Kettering passed away on Friday, July 13, 2018. He was born on August 5, 1935 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late, Wiley H. and Dorothy M. (Pryfogle) Brinkley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carol (Malpiedi) Brinkley; devoted children, Christine (Serge) Verbitzki, Leslie Brinkley, Linda Brinkley, Susan (Robert) Brinkley Dowell; cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Victoria Verbitzki, Andrew, Matthew, and Zachary Dowell; dear brother, Jack (Donna) Brinkley; niece, Elizabeth Brinkley and nephew, David Brinkley; niece, Barbara (Biff) Kirby, nephew, Ron (Pat) Malpiedi; and many other extended family and dear friends. Jim was a graduate of Fairmont High School, The Ohio State University and has an honorary doctorate from the Russian State Institute of Research and Test. As a civilian employee of the Air Force, Jim spent 45 years in safety and health R&D. In his Senior Executive Service appointment, he directed 600+ scientists, engineers, and staff headquartered at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, at Brooks Air Force Base and at the Mesa Research Site. The focus of his internationally recognized technical expertise was prevention of injury and fatality. His projects included escape and landing impact systems for Projects Mercury, Gemini and Apollo; NASA’s X-38 crew recovery vehicle; the International Space Station; and analysis of the Space Shuttle Challenger accident. He developed test and evaluation criteria for military aircraft ejection seats, crew escape capsules and modules, automotive passenger air bag restraint systems, free-fall life boats, snowmobiles and personnel fall protection equipment. Jim continued to work for the past 13 years as an independent consultant. He received numerous awards and was recognized by 3 presidents for his achievements, but Jim’s greatest pride was his family. Friends and family may visit from 4-7pm on Wednesday, July 18 at The Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Rd, Kettering. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Thursday, also at the funeral home. Jim will be laid to rest in David’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to The James OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Phyllis Kaldor Hope and Inspiration Tribute Fund, The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force or a charity of your choice.