James Hinkle

MORTON – James L. Hinkle, a man of steady hands and a warm heart, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at Carle Health Proctor Hospital in Peoria, just days shy of his 81st birthday.

Born in Pekin to Theodore and Mary (McMahon) Hinkle, Jim grew up with a Central Illinois grit that defined his professional life. For decades, he was a familiar face behind the wheel as a proud truck driver for Teamsters Local 627. Whether navigating highways or local routes, Jim carried a sense of reliability that his colleagues and family always admired. In later years, Jim was a courtesy driver for Velde in Pekin and Leman's in Morton where he was acknowledged as employee of the year.

Jim's heart belonged to his family. On March 28, 1964, he married Lynn Pickel. Later, he married, Lora "Corky" Hinkle, with whom he shared 33 years of adventure since their wedding in Las Vegas on October 30, 1992. His legacy lives on through his daughters, Holly (Richard) Dana of Kewanee and Cynthia (Rickie) Rademacker of Green Valley; stepdaughters, Mindy (Brian) Bristle and Abby Schraeder both of Mahomet; and a thriving lineage of five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Lewellen, and sister, Betty Martin

If Jim wasn't on the road, he was likely by the water or in the woods. A longtime member of the Kennel Lake Sportsman's Club, he found his peace while fishing, hunting, and camping. He was the undisputed master of hosting fish fries, bringing friends and neighbors together over good food and better stories. On game days, you could find him watching his St. Louis Cardinals and Illini basketball.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date to allow all who knew him to gather and honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Larry's Casting Kids in care of Pekin Park District, a charity in which Jim was very involved.