James Rodney Hines

James Rodney Hines of Traverse City, Michigan, age 58, passed away at home on Thursday, May 15, 2025. He was the youngest of four children, born to Dean and Carolyn (Dittman) Hines on June 21, 1966, in Lapeer, MI. After moving to Mancelona, MI, at a young age, Jim attended Mancelona Public Schools where he met the love of his life, Kimberly Jane (Ouvry) Hines. In high school, Jim was a multi-sport athlete for the Mancelona Ironmen and performed in the play Season in the Sun. Jim attended Ferris State University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education in 1991. While at Ferris he was a proud member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and spent summers at Shanty Creek working on the golf course and engaging in hijinks with his friends. During college he worked at, Believe in Music, a record store and amassed an impressive discography of eclectic music, a passion that he would pass along to his sons via YouTube videos sent at all hours of the day. Jim and Kim married on August 12, 1989 and moved to Petoskey after graduating. Jim taught science at the Petoskey Middle School and coached the Petoskey men’s golf team. While teaching, Jim received his Master’s in Education Curriculum from Michigan State University. In 1994, he welcomed the birth of his first son, Trey followed by his second son, Brett, in 1998. Nothing made Jim prouder than being a father. After moving to Traverse City in 2004, he jumped fully into being a stay-at-home dad. He enjoyed spending time with his sons, whether that was coaching Brett’s Little League team, travelling for a baseball tournament or attending one of Trey’s choir concerts. Anyone who was taught or coached by Jim knew that they were safe, supported, and loved. After his sons graduated high school, Jim worked as a supervisor for American Airlines at Cherry Capital Airport where he made many lasting friendships. Jim was a lifelong fan of Michigan sports teams. He loved them all—the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings and especially his Michigan State Spartans—though he would say the occasional “Go Blue” when Trey started attending the University of Michigan. When not cheering on his team, Jim could be found listening to Rush, watching a new movie, taking Ruthie for a walk, or grilling in the backyard with family. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-five years Kim; his two sons Trey (Hannah) and Brett, his parents Dean and Carolyn, his siblings Steve Hines, Sue (Rick) Duerksen, and Jeff (Karen) Hines, his ten nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great-nephews and his dogs Ruthie and Baylee. The celebration of life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00PM on Thursday, May 29, 2025, on the lawn at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Visitation will begin at 2:00PM with the service beginning at 3:00PM. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire for their favorite Michigan sports team. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial donation to the Cherryland Humane Society at www.cherrylandhumane.org.

James Rodney Hines

June 21, 1966 - May 15, 2025