James Alvin Hinsley died Aug. 19, 2026, at his home in Stephenville. He was born Nov. 23, 1944, in Floydada to Robert James and Christine Hinsley. When James was 12, the family moved to Hamilton. He grew up in a ranching family and attended school, excelling in academics, football and FFA programs, graduating from Hamilton High School in 1963.
He attended Texas Tech University, receiving a B.S. degree in agricultural economics. While attending college, he worked in the oil field and as a meat cutter. After receiving his degree, James worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Levelland, where he met the love of his life, Kathy Aller. They were married in Seminole on Nov. 22, 1969, and enjoyed almost 57 years of life together.
James and Kathy moved to Stephenville, and he began work as a real estate broker. In 1972, they moved to Denton, where he continued selling real estate and began the study of real estate appraisal, becoming a member of the American Appraisal Institute. He began work as an M.A.I. for the General Land Office. He opened his appraisal office and did fee appraisals until joining the Lone Star Ag Credit. His expertise in appraisal of expensive horse ranches and commercial property became well recognized.
After living in Aubrey for 25 years, he and Kathy retired and moved to their weekend property near Stephenville, where they resided until his death.
James was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Aaron Jay Hinsley. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, James Lee and Jacob Hinsley; and daughter, Joanna Hinsley.
