James M. Brink ’72

Jim, known variously as “Brink” or “Bear,” and loved for his irrepressible buoyant personality, died Nov.12, 2014, in a car accident in California. He was a beloved husband and father and a celebrated chemistry teacher and coach at the Harvard-Westlake School in North Hollywood. (Click here to view a video of Harvard-Westlake’s memorial for Jim.)

Jim was the oldest of four siblings and came to Princeton as a graduate of Denver South High School in Colorado. He roomed with Donald Prowler in Witherspoon Hall freshman year; they remained roommates through graduation. Jim played freshman baseball. Sophomore year, he was part of the nucleus that re-established Dial Lodge as an active club. Friends and suitemates recall his wonderful ability to make serious education fun; every day was brighter in his presence.

Jim majored in chemical engineering and received a secondary-level teaching certificate from Princeton’s teacher-certification program. While he was an undergraduate, he met his wife-to-be, Vivian Salamandra, and after graduation the couple moved to Denver. In 1979, he began his career at the Harvard-Westlake School. 

He is survived by Vivian; his daughters, Lacey and Marissa; brothers Kirk and Joel; sister Colette; and many nieces and nephews.