James L. Hinkle

James L. Hinkle, a man of steady hands and a warm heart, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at Carle Health Proctor Hospital in Peoria, just days shy of his 81st birthday.

Born in Pekin to Theodore and Mary (McMahon) Hinkle, Jim grew up with a Central Illinois grit that shaped his working life. For decades he drove trucks as a proud member of Teamsters Local 627, earning respect for his reliability on both long highways and local routes. In later years he served as a courtesy driver for Velde in Pekin and Leman’s in Morton, where he was named employee of the year.

Jim’s greatest devotion was to his family. He married Lynn Pickel on March 28, 1964, and later married Lora “Corky” Hinkle, sharing 33 years of marriage after their wedding in Las Vegas on October 30, 1992. He is survived by his daughters, Holly (Richard) Dana of Kewanee and Cynthia (Rickie) Rademacker of Green Valley; stepdaughters Mindy (Brian) Bristle and Abby Schraeder, both of Mahomet; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Lewellen, and his sister, Betty Martin.

When not on the road, Jim found joy by the water and in the woods. A longtime member of the Kennel Lake Sportsman’s Club, he loved fishing, hunting, and camping. He was known for hosting memorable fish fries that gathered friends and neighbors around good food and lively stories, and he remained a loyal supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals and Illini basketball. He was also deeply involved with Larry’s Casting Kids through the Pekin Park District.