James Eldon Hines

James Hines, 75, of Seymour, IA, passed away at The Continental Care Center in Seymour on Thursday, December 5, 2013.

James Eldon Hines was born in Sullivan County, MO, on September 1, 1938, the son of James W. and Uldine (Duncan) Hines, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Newtown High School in 1956 and worked briefly in Kansas City, MO, before joining the United States Army for a two year tour of duty. Eldon worked as a farmhand in the Newtown area with Jim Davis after the service.

James Eldon married Nina Scott on December 3, 1960, and to this union two sons were born: Gary and David. They later divorced. James engaged in farming in Putnam County in the mid-1960’s and then purchased a farm in the Lemons area of Putnam County in 1973. He farmed until the late 1980’s when he began driving a truck, which he did until 2005. On January 26, 1991, James married Joy (Bleything) Byrd and she preceded him in death on November 9, 2006.

Jim lived in Queen City, MO, for a number of years where he drove a bus for Schuyler County Schools. He moved to Green City, MO, after Joy passed away and then failing health moved him in with son David Hines in Seymour, IA. He had been a resident of the Continental Care Center for about a year.

James Eldon enjoyed hunting for deer, coyote, and turkey. He was also an avid dancer, attending dances all over the area, as well as belonging to bowling leagues in Kirksville and Unionville. James was a member of the Green Castle Lions Club and the Kirksville, VFW.

James Hines is survived by two sons, Gary Hines and wife Faye of Marion, IA, and David Hines and companion Donna Keller of Seymour, IA. Surviving grandchildren are Bradley Hines and wife Jessie, Stacy Hines, Kaitlyn Hines, and Blake Hines. A brother, Clifford Hines and his wife, Carol, of Kirksville, MO, also survives. James Eldson is also survived by a special friend, Wilma Elsea.

James was preceded in death by a sister, Fern Richards and a great granddaughter, Sierra Machelle Andrews.

Funeral services for James Hines will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 10:30 am. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 17, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Kevin Collins will conduct the service with recorded musical selections “I’ll Fly Away,” “Tennessee Flat Top Box, and” Angels among us.” Pall bearers will be Bradley Hines, Robbie Robison, Ronnie Brown, John Scott, Mike Hines, and Brad Gillum. Honorary bearers will be Blake Hines, Kaitlyn Hines, and Stacy Hines. Interment will be at the Queen City (MO) Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Putnam County Fair and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.