Dr. Alan James Hinkley

Lieutenant Colonel Alan James Hinkley, DDS, of Hallstead, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, after a prolonged illness. He was the son of the late Kirk S. Hinkley, Sr. and Marion (Keigwin) Hinkley. Guided throughout his life by faith, devotion to family, and a deep commitment to serving others, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and service.

Dr. Hinkley was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife Nancy. Together they built a family that was the center of his life. He is survived by his wife Nancy; his sons, Alan James Jr. and his wife Maria of Lenoir City, Tennessee, and Jonathan and his wife Jessica of Ridgefield, Connecticut; his brother Robert Hinkley of Vestal, New York; and his cherished grandchildren Matthew, Joshua, Kathryn (Gracey), Kiera, Duncan, and Grayson, all of whom brought him great pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his son Michael and his brother Kirk S. Hinkley, Jr.

After graduating from the Blue Ridge School District, he attended Syracuse University and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Buffalo Dental School. Following an internship at Upstate Medical Center, he practiced dentistry for 46 years in Pennsylvania and New York. Known for his steady hands, compassionate care, and genuine interest in his patients’ lives, he built lasting relationships with families across generations. In addition to his private practice, he served as a school dentist and as a member of the Blue Ridge School Board.

A lifetime member of the Masonic Blue Lodge No. 338 and a dedicated elder at the Hallstead Presbyterian Church, where he chaired the Property and Finance Committee, Dr. Hinkley lived his faith through service. He volunteered as a Webelos leader, coached Little League baseball, and served as President of the Blue Ridge Pee Wee Football program, always encouraging teamwork, character, and perseverance in young people. He also served his country with distinction as a Lieutenant Colonel and Commander of the 317th Medical Detachment, 99th Regional Support Command in Scranton, Pennsylvania. From 1974 to 2001, he provided dental care to service members and diplomatic personnel in the United States and abroad, with assignments at U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya; Cairo, Egypt; Islamabad, Pakistan; and Panama City, Panama. His military service reflected the same sense of duty, professionalism, and compassion that defined every aspect of his life.

Dr. Hinkley will be remembered for his kindness, deep faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and country.