Obituary: James Thomas Hincks

James Thomas Hincks, Feb. 27, 1942 through May 31, 2025

James Thomas Hincks of Missouri City, TX passed away peacefully on May 31st surrounded by family. Born in Oak Lawn, IL, James spent most of his life in Plainfield, IL where he built a life defined by devotion to family, service to others, and a love for adventure.

James (aka Jim, Jimmy, Jimbo) began a 38-year career at Xerox, where he met the love of his life, Dianne. Their love story was one of true partnership, laughter and unwavering support. Together, they raised three children – Kim (Vin) Mendes, Kerry Hincks (Ryan Walsh) and Kevin Hincks (Gina Nucci) – who were the pride of his life. He found immense joy in being a grandfather to Morgan, Addison, Ally, Maddie, Lillian, Charlie, Liam and Calvin.

Jim was a man of many passions and talents. Throughout the years, he served in the Army National Guard, was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion Post 13. He embraced life with energy and purpose. He found joy in nature, fishing, cycling, skiing, rowing, hiking, pickleball, tennis and flying RC planes. A gifted woodworker, stained glass artist, skilled handyman and poet, Jim was a creative soul whose craftsmanship was admired by many.

Those who knew Jim will remember him most for his warmth, his humor and his generosity. He had a unique ability to light up any room with his quick wit and one of his infamous jokes.

Jim is preceded in death by his loving parents, Thomas Joseph Hincks and Agnes Nohava Hincks. He is survived by his cherished wife, Dianne; and their children and spouses; his adored grandchildren; and his three sisters, Charlene, Yvonne, and Margaret, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

When asked how he would like to be remembered, he stated, “I’d like to be remembered as a good son, a good husband, a good dad, and just a good guy in general. And someone who liked being me.” He concluded with a message “I hope you all can have as great a life as I have had. A life of great family and friends. Everything else would be icing on the cake.”

The family would like to thank Accredited Health Care Hospice and his excellent caregivers, Sherry, Velveeta and Mike who provided such compassionate and loving care to Jim in the last two and a half years of his illness.

A Celebration of Life will be open to anyone who wants to share good ole Jimbo stories with family and friends. It will be held on Sunday night July 13th from 5:30-9:30 pm at Sanctuary Events in 24216 West Lockport Street Plainfield, IL 60544. Parking at the event location is limited, so please park at the North Lot of the Plainfield Central High School, 2410 Fort Beggs Dr. Plainfield, IL 60544 and shuttles will be running back and forth all evening.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to active military families through Operation Homefront (https://donate.operationhomefront.org) in honor of James Hincks.