James Earl Hinkhouse passed away at the age of 91 on May 4, 2025, with his wife Susan Hinkhouse by his side at Ascension Living Via Christi Village. Jim was born in Hays, KS, on June 5, 1933, to Earl Dewey and Myrtle Alice (Noah) Hinkhouse. He spent his childhood and teenage years in Palco, KS, where his family owned the local grocery store. He often reminisced about those days, sharing stories of helping out with the family business. Jim attended school in Palco, graduating in 1951.
After high school, he continued his education at Fort Hays College, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Fine Arts Education. His plans to pursue a master’s degree were put on hold when he was drafted into the Armed Services. He served in the United States Navy, stationed in San Diego, CA, and Whidbey Island, North Oak, WA. Upon returning from service, he resumed his studies at Fort Hays College, earning a Master of Fine Arts.
Jim began his teaching career in Wichita, KS, where he taught elementary school art and met his future wife, Judith Davey. They married on July 31, 1960. He later taught at Wichita Heights High School before continuing his education at the University of Kansas, where he earned a second Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture.
Following his studies, Jim accepted his first university faculty position at Marysville College in Marysville, MO, where he taught ceramics. In 1965, he had the opportunity to return to Fort Hays State College as an art professor, teaching sculpture and jewelry design. Over the decades, he was known not just for his talent, but for the way he supported, hosted, and guided generations of art students—many of whom remained in touch throughout his life.
While living in Hays, Jim and Judy welcomed two daughters, Julie Ann and Jami Jo. Both daughters went on to become art teachers themselves—Julie at the middle-school level, and Jami in elementary education. Though Jim and Judy’s paths eventually diverged, they remained connected through their shared commitment to family and art.
On July 13, 1990, Jim married Susan Elniff, and together they made their home in Hays, KS. Jim continued his tenure at Fort Hays State University until retiring in 1996.
Beyond his professional legacy, Jim was known for his many passions and distinctive character. He loved boating and sailing with his family—and could even ski on one ski. A licensed pilot and lifelong aviation enthusiast, he not only flew planes himself, but would seek out the aviation section of every museum he visited (often out of his way), and delighted in sharing plane-related social media videos with his grandkids.
Jim also had a great love for extended road trips. He always insisted on driving—not just for the joy of the journey, but because he could never pack light and wanted room to bring back anything he found along the way that might become part of a future art project. Whether it was a rusty gear, a slab of wood, or a piece of discarded metal, Jim saw artistic potential in nearly everything.
Equally memorable was his gift for conversation. Jim was the kind of person who talked with strangers everywhere he went—not just in passing, but with genuine interest and warmth. He loved sharing stories, and just as importantly, he loved hearing them.
After retirement, Jim remained active in the art world, creating many sculptures for public and private collections. He also transitioned from full-scale flying to the world of radio-controlled airplanes, continuing to combine his passion for flight and craftsmanship well into his later years.
Jim is survived by his wife Susan of the home; daughter Jami (Ryan) Brannen of Scottsdale, AZ; stepdaughter Susanna (Dave) Stout of Randall, KS; grandchildren Lola Villalpando-Hinkhouse of Oceanside, CA, and Julian Brannen of Scottsdale, AZ; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Myrtle; daughter Julie Ann; sister Jo Eva McClellan; and brother-in-law Robert McClellan.
He will be remembered by family, friends, former students, and colleagues for his love of art, flying, storytelling, and time on the lake.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Hays Arts Council, 112 E. 11th St., Hays, KS 67601.
Please share memories on James's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com
Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.