James Royal Hinman Jr.

James R. Hinman Jr., 39, died on July 6, 2024, in Fort Atkinson surrounded by his family.

James was born on March 22, 1985, in Elgin, Illinois to the late James and Suzan (Baum) Hinman.  James’s parents, unfortunately, divorced when he was very young.  When James was three his mother met Raymond Baum.  Raymond immediately became part of the family and was excited to be in James’s life.  Never overshadowing the relationship that he had with his father, but just there to help guide him through life.  James’s father passed away when he was ten, and Raymond stood up and took the role that he knew he needed to.  James was lucky enough to have two strong father figures in his life and was proud of it.

James was a man of integrity, honesty, and love.  His heart and his spirit went above and beyond.  When James met his wife, Stephanie, it was love at first sight, instantaneous soul mates.  It was a romance that books have been written about.  James and Stephanie were inseparable from day one, never fighting, always laughing every day, and Stephanie could battle James’s wit for wit when it came to come backs.  James and Stephanie could be found at home watching House Hunters International and dreaming of one day owning an island of their own.  James always stated that Stephanie was his Angel in life, and now James has taken on the role of being Stephanie’s Angel. When House Hunter’s wasn’t on James could be found watching a football game, or one of his favorite crime shows on T.V.   James resided in Florida for a bit of his journey on this earth.  He loved walking on the beach with his two dogs, Max and Maggie.  He loved the palm trees and the bearded dragons and other lizard’s that lived in them.  James was fascinated about Space and the James Webb Telescope, reading and watching everything that could be found about it.   James was an unending encyclopedia of random facts and would spurt them out at any moment, and then casually walk away.   James loved his family and would drop anything to do anything for them.  Whether it was to drop everything and drive to pick up his sister, Kristina, from down south and bring her home or if it was just needing a shoulder to cry on, James was always guaranteed to be there.  James was also lucky enough to have his wife Stephanie, his daughter Kassy, and his sister Kristina take care of him, as he took care of them, until they could no longer do it.   James loved to spend time with his family when he could and go shooting with his brother. James was a devoted and loving husband, a fantastic father, the funniest person you could have ever met, and the best little brother anyone could have ever asked for.

James is survived by his soulmate, Stephanie, and his daughter Kassy.  His siblings: Kristina Hinman Baum, Cynthia (Jason) Williams, and Gary (Emily) Baum all survive him.  James is also survived by his nieces Paige (Nicholas) Morrison, and Violet; along with his nephews Charlie and Peyton, and his second father, Raymond.

Service for James will be held sometime in the future.  Please check back.

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is more than honored to be assisting James’s family.