James W. "Jimmy" Hines Jr.
James W. "Jimmy" Hines Jr.
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James Hines Obituary
Jimmy was a graduate of Peninsula Catholic High School and was a member of Stevens Memorial Baptist in Newport News.
He was preceded in death by his mother Virginia Hines and father James W. Hines Sr.
He is survived by his loving companion Joanne Brown, his daughters Karen Holland (Joey), Kathy Williams (Matt) and their mother Carol; four grandchildren, Josh, Thomas, William, and Emily; his siblings Beth Hines, Mike Hines (Deneace), and Michelle Cain.
Jim's greatest passion in life was bringing joy and happiness to everyone he met. His greatest joy was his ability to spread the magic of Christmas as Santa. He touched the lives of many throughout his career at Busch Gardens Christmas Town, Yankee Candle, and Downtown Williamsburg as Santa Jim. Christmas was more than just one day a year to Jim, he was Santa every day, it didn't matter where he was, or the season, if he saw children out and about, Santa Jim would smile and chat with any child that came up to him.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday April 3rd from 6-8PM at Amory Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at Stevens Memorial Baptist Church on Thursday April 4th at 1:30PM with a graveside following at 3PM at Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will fellowship immediately after the graveside service at the church. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, VA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Rogers
April 6, 2024
He was Santa . . .I never called him anything else.
Sarah Eberly
April 3, 2024
Joanne, I am so sorry for your loss. The love and care you had for each other was a shining example to all. I'm keeping you and the whole family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim was one of the greatest guys I knew. He was a friend to everyone. When we worked together he was one of my biggest supporters. I could always count on his messages to include a joke. It would make me smile and laugh, always making my day. After Yankee, we were friends. He would come and visit with my nieces when they came from PA so they could see Santa. It made there Summer visit every time. Anything for a friend he would say. He cared and was always waiting with a kind word and prayer if needed. He loved to make children happy and to see smiles on there faces. The world needs more people just like Jim, full of his kindness and faithfulness. Rest in peace dear friend until we meet again, watch over us all.
Demetra Panags-Frink
April 3, 2024
Santa Jim was the real deal. I worked with him briefly at yankee candle. My father, Tike, and him were good friends. When i lost my Dad last year Jim showed up to my Dad's service and i gave him the biggest hig. I told him what great joy his friendship brought to my Dad...He was always smiling, always kind and always Santa. He will be greatly missed. By many.
Sarah Kiplinger
April 3, 2024
Jimmy was such a good guy in high school. I am not surprised he turned out to be a beloved Santa. The whole world is a much sadder place with his loss. My prayers for him and his family. Sarah Sadler Kiplinger
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Andrew Muise
April 3, 2024
I remember the first day James began working at Great Wolf Lodge in the gift shop, and he gave me one of his cards that said he was Santa Jim. He was such a beloved member of the team at GWL, and I´m deeply going to miss him. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
Lynn Shell
April 3, 2024
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. My kids always called him "the real Santa". Such a kind soul and touched so many lives. Heaven gained an angel for sure. He will be missed!
Chris Shipley
April 3, 2024
Taking my children to Yankee Candle and Busch Gardens. They adored him and for me it was the best part of Christmas - always had to get a picture of them. Mr Santa - you will truly be missed. Thanks for making so many of us happy to see you.
Deacon Bernie Taylor
April 2, 2024
There are people who will always be remembered for what they did. Jim was one who not only will be remembered for what he did, but for who he was. He was a genuine good man with a huge, sincere, loving, heart. He was Santa!
That was Jim.
Gaye Martin
April 2, 2024
So sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. So many memories of times spent at the Moose and Santa coming to our house Christmas Eve of 1998 and surprising our grandchildren. A wonderful memory none of us will ever forget. I sure Jim will have wonderful Christmases in Heaven. You will be missed.
Stavroula Kokkoros
April 2, 2024
Santa I will miss you so much I always believed in you I know you will watch over all of us my heart is broken you made me smile as I have been battling for my life its a long road fir me I know that I will make it because you told me brave and font give up the fight to live Santa you will forever be in my heart
Larry Vaught
April 2, 2024
Condolences to the family. Merry Christmas will never be the same.
Frank Forrester
April 2, 2024
He will be missed. I remember when I was in line for Celtic Fyre one day at the park and some kids saw him. They didn't believe that he was the real Santa until I had him come over and he showed them his pass which said Santa Claus on it.
DIANA CHEW
April 2, 2024
Jim you will be sorely and dearly missed! You will always be one of my fondest memories! The time the care and the love that you gave to my girl Dottie will always mean so much to me. I will treasure the picture I have of all of us having lunch together at Pierce's BBQ the one day.
Rest in peace, give my Dottie a hug! Till we meet again Jim
Tiffany Bordick
April 2, 2024
Prayers and condolences to all who knew and loved Santa Jim. I will always treasure that my daughter's first visit with Santa was with Santa Jim.
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