In Memory of

James

Edwin

Hinesley

Obituary for James Edwin Hinesley

James Edwin Hinesley, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, loved so much by all who knew him, died Sunday October 7th, 2018 in Franklin, TN. James was born on January 7th, 2000, at the dawn of the new millennium, with all its promise. When he greeted the world, it just so happened that the Beatles “Here Comes the Sun” was playing on the delivery room radio. As the younger brother of two sisters, James brought such a cheerful, unflappable attitude to the family dynamic. Quiet and reserved, but 6’4”, James stood out in a crowd, a gentle giant. Before he became an outstanding young man, he was a pleasant, agreeable boy, even when going to some of his least favorite things, such as a sister’s dance recital. James was involved in sports at an early age, playing soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse……basically anything his mom and dad would sign him up for, he was all in. James was active in Boy Scouts of America Troop 16, Franklin, TN, for many years. He spent a few summer camps under the grueling heat of Boxwell Reservation, always with a smile on his face and a keen ear toward instruction from Messrs. Cole, Hughes, and Kimball. James passed through the Scout ranks with an enthusiasm and rigor that were somewhat at odds with his calm outward demeanor, reaching the rank of Eagle Scout in December 2017. James participated in the heavy lifting that always went along with Troop 16 fundraising activities such as the annual Christmas tree lot and the BBQ cookout. He could always be counted on to be at the tree lot for his appointed shift, or at the pork smoker pits to stoke the fire during the wee hours. He enjoyed helping his troop and his parents out with Room in the Inn, and The Bridge Ministries. “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it.” – Proverbs 3:27. A highlight for James was his BSA High Adventure trip to Key West in 2015 and a week aboard the Jolly II Rover, an 80’ old time schooner crewed by 20 scouts and parents. Sharing this experience with many of his old pals from Cub Scouts made this trip uniquely memorable. He had a special affinity for the big sky vistas of the western United States, taking many memorable trips with his family to Yosemite, Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks, always asking for just one souvenir: a tee shirt.
James, with the heart of a teacher in the tradition of his maternal grandmother and his mom, was a trusted camp counselor for two summers at Camp YI in La Vergne, TN. Alongside his good buddy Thomas, he worked to corral a group of young campers each morning from their cabin, to the mess hall, then to the day’s events. “If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of.” – Fred Rogers. James was a graduate of the Page High School class of 2018. He was a member of the Lacrosse team his Freshman year, then joined the bowling team for his junior and senior years. James attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville where he was a freshman. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church. James is survived by his parents Steven and Sue Hinesley (nee Schnicker) of Franklin, TN; sister Mary of Brooklyn, NY; sister Molly of Hattiesburg, MS. He also leaves paternal grandparents Howard and Lavone Hinesley of Fort Morgan, AL, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends who all loved him deeply and will one day see him again. A celebration of James’ life will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church (new site, 4340 Arno Road, Franklin, TN) Saturday October 13th, with visitation from 9AM-11AM, followed by the memorial service at 11AM. Dr. Angela Harris officiating. BSA Troop 16 Phoenix Patrol will serve as honorary pallbearers. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to The Jason Foundation. http://jasonfoundation.com/ “Now cracks a noble heart, Good night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” – William Shakespeare. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com