James Wilbur Hindsman

A Blessed Family

James Wilbur Hindsman was born on May 26, 1928, in the small town of Villa Rica, Georgia, to the late Wilbur Hindsman († 1954) and Essie Mae Poole Hindsman († 1989). He was the second of eight children and is survived by his brother, Vernon Hindsman. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John Henry, Samuel T., Curtis, and Daniel, and his sisters, Allene and Hurtene.

James fondly remembered the close bond of his family. He recalled traveling to Atlanta as a teenager searching for better-paying jobs during the Jim Crow era in the South. The Hindsman roots ran deep in Villa Rica, Carroll County, Georgia. Later in life, James reflected on memories of his grandfather, Dennis, and grandmother, Mattie. He cherished memories of attending Mt. Prospect Baptist Church in Villa Rica,    founded in 1887 by his great-grandfather, Rev. Jeremiah Hindsman. James also treasured recollections of his mother’s family, the Poole and Gray families. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Hindsman, Gray, and Poole families were among the largest in Villa Rica and Temple, GA.

Proud Military Service

In January 1951, James enlisted in the Army and was deployed to the front lines of the Korean War, where he served until October 1952. After his active duty, James continued to serve in the Army Reserves. During his military service, he had opportunities to travel throughout the United States and worldwide. He also faced the horrors of war, endured hardships, and encountered racism as a soldier in an all-black unit. James demonstrated resilience, and upon his discharge, he returned to                      Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lived with his Uncle John Poole and his wife, Eula.

A Life Full of Love

Shortly after moving to Cincinnati, OH, James met the love of his life, Rosie Chapman. On September 11, 1954, James and Rosie († 2023)  married and began their life together. Their bond and love flourished for 69 years. From this union, they were blessed with six children: Michael († 2020), Carroll Nieman (Richard), Gail Tippett (Tyrone), Yvette († 2010), Robin Stacia (Kevin), and James Rodney (Sandra). Their family grew as they welcomed ten grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. James was an extraordinary “PawPaw” who cherished his great and grandchildren. The Hindsman home became a second home for their grands, particularly after school and during the summer. PawPaw James held each child close; they sat and cuddled beside him. He loved having his grandchildren follow him around the yard, including them in chores that felt like exploration.

James’ children eagerly anticipated his amazing smile and loving hugs. He was known for his beautifully maintained lawn; he loved gardening and enjoyed working in the garage on various projects. He particularly treasured his shed, which housed all his specialized tools and machinery, and he found joy in simply relaxing on the swing on the back porch.

James’s career is noteworthy for his long tenure at Kenner Products, where he retired as a quality manager. After retirement, he applied to Cincinnati Public Schools and became the local crossing guard. Our father worked at our neighborhood crosswalk through rain or snow for ten years, demonstrating his dedication to the children in our community. After retirement, Daddy also recommitted his life to Jesus Christ and joined Union Baptist Church, where he has been a devoted member for 40 years.

After retiring, James and Rosie became inseparable. Each day started with a loving morning greeting and a hearty breakfast, while each night ended with reflections on the day. Their love and loyalty to each other formed the foundation for all they accomplished. As Daddy became homebound in his later years, he enjoyed reading the Union Baptist Church newsletter and the many greeting cards he received from friends and family. His family treasured quality time with him and were grateful that he began and ended each day with one of his children by his side. Daddy liked watching Family Feud and National Geographic and working on puzzles. He and his devoted home health aide enjoyed sitting outside in the park, watching wildlife, and exploring the neighborhood.

James was deeply cherished and will always be remembered, honored, and missed by his brother, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and his home health companion.

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