James B. Hines

1932 – 2010

TOGUS — James Bradley “Hinsey” Hines, 77, husband of Alyce Vallee Hines of 16 Holyoke Ave., Rumford, went to Heaven on Friday, Jan. 8, after spending the day with his loving family at the Togus VA Hospital, ending a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and lung cancer.

He was born on Aug. 12, 1932, in East Andover, in a lumber camp off Farmer’s Hill Road to James G. and Minnie White Hines. He was educated in a one-room schoolhouse and went to work at a young age to help his family. He excelled in hunting and fishing and knew the woods like the back of his hand.

He served valiantly for a year and a half on the front line in the Korean War in the U.S. Army, 9th Infantry Division, enduring many hardships. Shortly thereafter he met his soul mate, Alyce Vallee, and she never left his side for 56 years. They raised two sons and fulfilled all their dreams together. He retired from the Rumford Fire Department after 20 years of service and also served as a spare police officer for the Rumford Police Dept., as well as doing carpentry with his great friend and co-worker, Eugene Boivin. He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandsons’ sporting events, fixing furniture, playing cards, reading Western novels, riding his motorcycle, tinkering with Gordon at P & S Auto, and camping at Littlefield Beach. His warm humor, big heart and incredible energy will be forever missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Alyce, of Rumford; proud sons, Steven of Rumford, and Thomas and special daughter-in-law, Jessica Hines, of Peru; grandsons, Thomas “Ty” Jr. of Pennsylvania, and Joshua and Benjamin Hines of Peru; brother, Robert Hines of Norton, Mass.; surrogate granddaughter, Melissa “Meme” Merrill, and her son, Ian, of West Paris; five sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law and their families; great family friend, Viola Hodgkins; a million friends and cousins; and his dog, Babe.

He was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Lisa Marie; and two infant siblings.

His family would like to thank the great staff at Togus for taking such good care of him, and two very special caregivers, Sue and Tammy.