James William Hinkle

James W. Hinkle is survived by his wife, Lola Baker Hinkle. They were married 76 years. He leaves a son, Johnny B. Hinkle (wife Carolyn) of Huntsville; and a daughter, Janet H. Moebes (husband John) of Knoxville. He has five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He leaves two siblings: a sister, Mamie H. Kilgo of Cullman; and a brother, E. Henry Hinkle of Merritt Island.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Anna Mize Hinkle of Cullman; sisters, Ruth H. Howard and Icie H. Freeman; brothers, Dicie Hinkle, J. Leonard Hinkle and S. Ardill Hinkle.

In addition to his own family, he leaves behind a large cadre of in-laws in the Bert and Ida Baker family of Madison County, whom he also loved.

His career spanned 15 years at Wolverine Tube, where he served as foreman of the machine shop. Later, he established his own machine shop which he operated for decades. He was considered a highly-skilled precision machinist.

Active in the Sixth Avenue Church of God throughout most of his years in Decatur, he and his wife developed an excellent youth program there. He taught Sunday school, and later helped to lead their Caleb Club, an outreach program for seniors.

He was an avid photographer, and chronicled more than 70 years of family history. Other interests were in oil painting and poetry writing. A lover of music, from classical to bluegrass, he taught himself to play the fiddle, and entertained at how-downs during the old days.

During the Great Depression, he rode aboard freight trains, with many other men, picking up odd jobs wherever possible. He joined the Civil Conservation Corps, and worked in forestry projects.

He was a member of Decatur's Masonic Lodge, and also was active in Boy Scouts, organizing and leading a Troop for years.

Throughout his life, he was an outdoorsman who enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting. Outdoor camping fed his love of nature, and he continued to camp well into his 80's, moving from tents to motor homes.

His wake will be from the hours of 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Roselawn Funeral Home. Funeral services are planned for Friday at 11 a.m. at Roselawn Chapel.

The family will attend a burial service in Cullman. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Habitat for Humanity or Hospice of the Valley.