James R. Hinton Jr.

James R. Hinton, Jr., embarked on his final chase Wednesday October 23, 2024. He was born on December 2, 1959, in Raleigh, NC. Jim was the son of James Rufus Hinton, Sr. and Rebecca Horton Hinton, the grandson of Ober and Bessie Horton and Arthur and Effie Bell Hinton.

Jim graduated from Lancaster High School and received his B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of South Carolina.

Jim was a passionate advocate for students. He began his career in education at Richland School District 2 where he taught 3rd grade before transitioning to a role in the ALERT program for gifted students. After serving students in the classroom, he supported students, teachers, and the community at large as the assistant principal for Barnwell Elementary in Barnwell, SC. It was at Barnwell where he started the most cherished part of his educational career, that of Principal. In addition to serving as principal at Barnwell Elementary, he was a beloved principal for Kinard Elementary (Clover, SC), Davis Elementary and Pineview Elementary (West Columbia, SC). He later served as a Director of Elementary Education, Director of Student Services and Assistant Superintendent in Lexington School District 2. Jim had an earnest desire to help all students to achieve their full potential.

In December 2021, Jim retired from his impactful career in Education. This gave him time to pursue his love of weather. He chased tornados so he could send alerts to the National Weather Service. Jim took pride in keeping others safe during storms as Storm Man. A natural artist, Jim, found endless beauty in the power of nature. He loved being a part of the natural wonders God created and enjoyed the wonders of life to fullest. He climbed to great heights atop mountains such as Mt Washington, Mt Rainer and Mt Shasta, and he explored great depths in the mysteries of the ocean. Jim loved scuba diving. He spent much time in the rivers around Charleston discovering artifacts from prehistoric shark teeth to Indian pottery to dispensary bottles and civil war relics. Four times, he dove the Andera Doria, a luxury Italian liner which sunk off the coast of New York.

Jim is survived by his wife, Gayle Melton Hinton; daughters, ReAnne Hinton Fox (Tyler) of Orlando, FL, Channing Powers Anderson (Tim) of Lexington, SC, and Church Carroll Powers (Lindsay) of Greenville, SC; as well as grandchildren, Waverly Fox, Hadley Anderson, Atticus Anderson, and Milly Powers. Surviving siblings are sisters, Patti Hinton French of Murfreesboro TN and Carol Hinton Herlong of Irmo, SC

Memorials may be made to the National Weather Association (https://nwafoundation.org/donate) or a charity of your choice.

Visitation is 2:00pm-4:00pm on Monday October 28, 2024 followed by the memorial service at 4:00, both at the New Life Center of Mt. Hebron Methodist Church, 3050 Leaphart Road West Columbia, SC.