James Leroy "Jim" Hinds

NEW BERLIN – Jim passed away peacefully at home July 18, 2023. Born January 19, 1933, to Lloyd and Irene (Banasik) Hinds, he was the first of three children, sister Audrey (Fred) Metcalf, Naples Fla, and brother Terry (Linda), Lena WI.  Jim attended Assumption Grade School in Green Bay. When his mom and dad moved to La Crosse, he went to Aquinas High School while working part-time at Rudy’s A&W root beer stand. After beginning his higher education at La Crosse State, the Korean War broke out, and he entered the Army Quartermaster Corp. He was stationed in Korea between 1954 and 1956. After discharge he continued his schooling at UW-Madison, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education. He then transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) to get his master’s degree in 1959. After a year teaching there, he got a position at Portage High School here in Wisconsin. In 1963 he packed up his books and began teaching at Greenfield High School. There he not only taught social studies (history, civics, geography, and government) but also was the debate coach, tennis coach, and downhill ski coach, all of which he poured his heart into. Also stealing his heart was fellow teacher, Betty Wood. They married on November 11, 1966, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Hales Corners. After many years of teaching, coaching and traveling, they both retired in 1990. But retirement did not stop their travels as they continued to traverse the country and the world with their close friends Ron and Marlene. You name a place and they probably had been there. Canada, South, and Central America, everywhere in Europe (from Casablanca to Moscow). In 2018 he even flew to Washington DC on the Veterans Honor Flight and was honored for his military service. Traveling came to an end, however, with Betty’s inability to get around, and she passed away on Jim’s birthday in 2022. While maintaining an extremely sharp mind, Jim began to succumb to father time and his health began to fail shortly thereafter. He was able to fulfill his fervent desire to remain in his home for all his years and was faithfully attended to by his very good friend Andre who he knew since they met at a French language class many, many years ago and maintained a close friendship ever since.  On July 18, 2023, time caught up with Jim. “Rest in peace, brother.”

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12700 W Howard Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin, on August 18, 2023, with Gathering from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at which time Mass will be celebrated. Reception to follow.  Interment will be later at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield, alongside Betty.

Thank you to all the dedicated staff, management, and volunteers at Badger Hospice for the care and compassion they provided him, and Betty, during the final days. Thanks to special friend Andre Joseph, Joe and Peggy Mentink for their moral and spiritual support, all the former students and associates who visited and kept in touch with him throughout the years, and thanks to all who knew, loved and cared about Jim and Betty.

Arrangements are being provided by Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives (www.informedchoice.org/obituary/james-leroy-hinds-jim)