Johnnie James Hinson, Jr

Johnnie James Hinson Jr. was born on August 2, 1943, in Bonifay, Florida, to Audrey and Johnnie Hinson Sr.

He spent much of his early childhood in Port Arthur, Texas, before the family eventually settled in Marianna, Florida. As the oldest child, he helped care for and support his younger siblings.

At 18, Johnnie enlisted in the United States Air Force, embarking on a 22-year career of distinguished service. His roles included aircraft and vehicle maintenance, communications, and missile defense. He served during several pivotal moments in U.S. military history, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. His career took him to Air Force bases in Texas, Alaska, Virginia, Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, Montana, Germany, Belgium, Thailand, and the Philippines. Johnnie was known throughout his service for his technical expertise, dependability, and commitment to mission readiness in stateside and overseas assignments.

While stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Johnnie met the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Hesseldenz, in Pittman, New Jersey. They married in 1965 and spent the next 19 years traveling the world together, raising their family within the Air Force community. In 1984, Johnnie retired as a Master Sergeant from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. He moved his family back to Marianna, Florida.

After military retirement, Johnnie began a second career with the Florida Department of Corrections, serving 20 years at the Corrections Mental Health Institution (CMHI) in Chattahoochee, Florida. Even then, retirement didn’t slow him down. He worked another 10 years with his nephew, Greg Lollie, in his mobile home business in Grand Ridge, Florida, where he was affectionately known as “Unc” or “Uncle James.”

Johnnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Judy Hinson.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Grice (Jeremy) of Marianna, FL, and Cathy Scroggs of Panama City, FL; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Lonia Lollie (Billy), Garland Hinson (Barbara), Jack Hinson (Earldean), and Dean Hinson, all of Jackson County, Florida.

Johnnie had a legendary sense of humor and a deep love for practical jokes. While working at CMHI, he once convinced a group of coworkers that the building was haunted. He rigged a white sheet on a string to pass in front of a security camera during the night, creating the appearance of a ghost drifting down a dimly lit hallway. Watching the screen live, the ladies in the control room were completely freaked out! Johnnie, of course, couldn’t have been more pleased with the result. His playful streak didn’t stop in retirement. While working with Greg, he rigged a mechanical bird in the bathroom so that when a friend turned on the light, the bird suddenly activated and flapped around the room, startling his friend with some very colorful language used in response. His creativity and wit were always in good fun and brought joy and laughter to those lucky enough to be around him.

Those who knew Johnnie will remember his laid-back nature, quick wit, and love of a good practical joke. A master mechanic by skill and passion, he could often be found tinkering in his garage, always fixing things, sometimes just for fun. He had a story for every occasion, and his presence brought warmth and laughter to those around him.

Johnnie James Hinson, Jr. lived a life of service to his family, country, and community. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A graveside service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with United States Air Force Honors. James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.