Jessie James Hinton

Jessie James Hinton was born May 7, 1949 to Pecola Hinton in Gary, Indiana. He was the second of nine children and grew up at 1160 Van Buren St. Jessie was a very kind, concerned, caring and loving big brother. He was a smart, mischievous little boy and yet very conscientious. He graduated from Froebel High School in 1968. He went on to attend Valparaiso University on an academic scholarship. While there, he played on their varsity football team. In 1971, he became an apprentice at Inland Steel Mill while completing college courses at the university. After 34 years of service, Jessie retired from Inland Steel Mill in 2005.

Amazingly enough while in elementary school he met Doristeen Francis. Little did he know the, she would become his beloved wife of 55 years! During his late teen years, he made his interest known to Doristeen. However, when she made it clear that she would not marry someone who was not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he made the decision to begin studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses while he was yet attending university. Realizing he had found two pearls of great value, he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah and was baptized November 29, 1969. Doristeen finally said yes! And they were married August 28, 1970.  These two life changing decisions led to some of the most momentous events in Jessie’s life. He became a father (and Superman) to his dearly loved children, daughter Tina and son David. He took a measure of pride in providing for his family and in being known as hard worker. Some would call him a “Jack of all trades!” He loved “tinkering” with his hands. Whatever the task, he gave it his all and was extremely reliable. 

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jessie’s love for the congregation and zeal for the ministry led some to follow his example and serve Jehovah. It also led to many privileges of service. Serving as an Elder in the congregation (Tarrytown, Merrillville, Central, Calumet and Tolleston) with his wife by his side, he was a loving shepherd and overseer who had a knack for making the overlooked and unappreciated feel seen and special.   Jessie was privileged to volunteer with the Disaster Relief Committee efforts after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Other highlights he enjoyed over the years were volunteering with the Regional Building Committee (now Local Design Committee) and assisting with Assembly Hall Maintenance. 

Jessie enjoyed doing all he could to help family and friends who would call on him. He was most happy when he was eating good food! If you knew how to cook, you were his best friend! Jessie never lost his youthful vigor for life. A favorite past time of his was playfully harassing someone or making them laugh. Jessie will best be remembered for the loving care he gave Doristeen and for being a serious man of faith!

Sadly, Jessie fell asleep in death on May 16, 2025. He was preceded in death by his grandmother- Lillie Mae Hinton, mother- Pecola Hinton, brothers- John Roby, Wilbert Hinton and Torrence Patillo.

He leaves to fondly cherish his memory, his beloved wife-Doristeen; children- Tina Johnson and David Hinton; grandsons- David J. Hinton and Justin Hinton; siblings – Willie Crawford, Ceola (Lawrence) Crawford, Terry (Tracey(deceased) Patillo and Joyce Patillo-White; In laws: Linda Diane Lawson, Eddie (Ruby) Francis, Fernell (Linda Marie) Francis; 35 nieces and nephews; 12 great nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives, spiritual family and friends.