James H. Hiner, 1921–2015
James H. Hiner, 93, Belmont, Wis., died April 2, 2015, during ambulance transport to the hospital in Dodgeville.
He was born June 18, 1921, in Brownwood, Texas. He attended Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa, before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in May 1941. He played in Marine bands and served as a stretcher bearer during campaigns on Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian and was awarded the Bronze Star in 1944.
Jim earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Minnesota, and taught English literature and related subjects for 17 years at Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minn., then taught for three years at Milton College in Milton, Wis. In the summers he worked as a canoe outfitter with Border Lakes in Winton, Minn.
Jim was a published poet, accomplished musician, humorist, inventive art photographer, avid gardener and gourmet cook. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, FFRF member Marian Maciej-Hiner, three children, a sister, six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Steven in 1989.
A celebration of Jim’s life was held April 18 at Folklore Village. FFRF offers sincerest condolences to Marian and the family.
