James H. Hinman, 82, of Mattapoisett, Mass., died on Monday, February 11, 2002, at Waterview Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in East Providence after an illness.He was the husband of the late Gladys (Poenack) Hinman, and son of the late Alfred T. and Hazel (Allen) Hinman.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Skaneateles, New York, Mr. Hinman was a resident of Mattapoisett for 36 years. He had also previously lived in Riverside, Conn.; Elmhurst, IL; North Dartmouth, Mass.; New Bedford, Mass.; and Rome, New York.
He was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.
Mr. Hinman was formerly employed by Revere Copper & Brass as an engineer and national sales manager in the company's aluminum division, retiring from their New Bedford office in 1984. He began his career with Revere Copper & Brass in 1941, after receiving his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Mr. Hinman served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a recipient of the World War II Victory medal. He was a member of Abraham Howland, Jr., Lodge A.F. & A.M. in New Bedford and the Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett, and was a former member of the Country Club of New Bedford.
Mr. Hinman was a champion amateur golfer in four states. His love affair with golf began in 1927 as an 8-year-old in Skeneateles, when he became a caddy in order to be able to play golf one morning a week. At one point in his career he held a 1-3 handicap range. At Revere Copper & Brass, he was the designated amateur golfer for many years and traveled the country representing the company in tournaments.In the 1950's, he won the U.S. Aluminum Association Championship at The Greenbriar in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia where the Club's pro, Sam Snead, congratulated him in the Pro Shop afterwards.
In 1982, at the age of 64, Mr. Hinman won the Reservation Golf Club Championship and played in the Massachusetts Amateur tournament. As recently as 4 years ago, he was a daily golfer with a 7 handicap and occasionally his final score beat his age.
Survivors include a son, John A. Hinman of Mattapoisett; a daughter, Anne Hinman Diffily of Providence; 8 grandchildren; and 5 nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Donald Hinman.
His Family will receive visitors in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, Friday February 15, 2002 from 10 AM until 12 Noon. Burial in Cushing Cemetery will be private.