James Robert Hines III

Jim graduated from New Bern High School and Wayne Community College (or BPU / ByPass University as Jim would say). He was honored to not just have a job but a career with the North Carolina Forest Service. Nearly everyone that knew him or just met him knew he was the Retired Craven County Ranger. Family, friends, and strangers were all blessed with lessons on tree identification and maybe even a quiz afterwards to make sure you retained the information.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hiking, fishing, or just sitting by the campfire. There are countless told and probably more untold stories of such adventures. Jim will always be remembered for his wit, humor, quiet presence, and humble spirit.

Jim is survived by his wife Lisa Purifoy Hines; daughter Lindsey Hines; sons Donald Hines and Rob Cahoon; grandson Lincoln Hines; Debbie Hines (life long friend and mother of Lindsey and Donald); brother Keith Hines; sister-in-law Emily Polanik; brother-in-law James Purifoy, and furbabies Sissy and JJ. Our hearts are broken but we are grateful for every memory, every lesson, and every moment we were blessed to share with him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church, 2210 Bridges St., Morehead City, NC.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jim's memory please go outside, take a hike, plant a tree, go camping, sit around a campfire, make precious memories with your friends and family.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Hines Family.