July 30, 1938 – May 8, 2024
Pastor James Lynn Hynes passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at age 85.
James Lynn (Hammond) Hynes was born on July 30, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan, to Evelyn Blanche Oswald (died May 27, 1976) and Richard Hammond (died in 1964). William S. Hynes (stepfather, died Nov 7, 1993) adopted Jim in December 1948. Jim grew up in Nashville, Michigan, where he married the love of his life, Bernadine Brock, on August 2, 1957.
Jim graduated from Olivet College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He worked for four years for Auto-Owners Insurance Co. as a claims adjuster before being called to ministry. He graduated from Evangelical Theological Seminary (now Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary) in Naperville, Illinois, with a Master of Divinity degree in 1968.
He was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1968 and served as pastor of churches in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in the following Michigan United Methodist churches: Erie/Samaria, Dexter, Fenton, Wacousta, and Nashville. Jim retired from ministry in July 2000. After retiring, he worked part-time for Wren Funeral Home and Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Michigan. He also continued to speak as guest pastor at several area churches. Jim and Bernie traveled three times to the Middle East; four times to Europe; once to Hawaii; once to Alaska; and many times, to various locations in the lower 48 states.
As a child growing up on a farm, Jim loved riding horses (often showing off by laying on the back of a horse while flirting with the neighbor girls), Roy Rogers films, and playing the guitar. His passion for guitar continued throughout his life, and he often played while leading the church in praise songs. Throughout his ministry and retirement, he found great joy in drinking a cup of coffee with friends (all he knew were friends!) while talking about faith, philosophy, and current events.
Jim is survived by his wife Bernie; brother Jeff Hynes (Kris); daughters Jamie Makielski and Julie Hynes, sons Bob Hynes (Vickie) and Bill Hynes (Sharyl), two nieces; six grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Jim is also survived by his German Family, Hella and Werner Ballman; their children Imke (Christoph) Rickhaus and Christian; and their German grandchildren. Jim and Bernie were foreign exchange hosts to both Hella and her daughter, Imke.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 22, 2024, at Clark Retirement Community, 1551 Martin Luther King Junior Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. It will begin with a memorial service in the Clark Chapel at 2pm, followed by a reception in the Clark “BK” room, until 4pm.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to one of the following organizations.
Clark Foundation
1551 Martin Luther King Junior Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
https://clarkretirement.org/clark-foundation/giving-options/
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
Development Office
2121 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60201
https://www.garrett.edu/alums-and-donors/give/
Please designate your donation go to the James L Hynes Endowed Scholarship
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M-79 Hwy in Nashville, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Last Updated on May 15, 2024