James Harold Hingst

James Harold Hingst, 94, of Pipe Creek, Texas, died on March 6, 2026. He was born in New Braunfels, Texas, on July 10, 1931, to Marie Louise Greschel Hingst and Werner Fredrick Hingst.

After attending the University of Texas, he married Berniece Schoonover on February 28, 1959, in Brownsville, Texas. His career with Texaco took him to Managua, Nicaragua, in 1967 and later to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1973. He retired from the company in 1991.

Upon retirement, James moved to San Antonio and purchased land in Pipe Creek, where he established a Christmas tree farm. He happily traded his suit and tie for jeans and work boots, finding deep joy in working the land, growing trees, and connecting with the many families who returned each year to choose and cut their Christmas trees. He cherished those conversations with parents and children, always eager to hear about their lives and adventures. An avid reader of Texas history, he could answer any question on the subject and was equally knowledgeable about the best barbecue spots across the state.

He is survived by his sons David Hingst and his wife Ashley Bowling Hingst, Douglas Hingst, and his grandchildren Ryan Hingst and his wife Olivia, Garrett Hingst, Austin Hingst, Mathew Bruder, RJ Bowling, Evans Bowling, Yancy Dahlia Hingst, Marcia Jazmin Hingst, Douglas Avalos Hingst, Ramses Avalos Hingst, Merida Avalos Hingst, Kalem Daniel Hingst, and Angelica Avalos Sanchez. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Berniece Schoonover Hingst, and his brothers, John Hingst and Dean Hingst.