Joan Evans Hinkle

July 5, 1934 - September 21, 2024

Joan Evans Hinkle passed away on September 21, 2024 at age 90. Joan was born on July 5,1934 to parents Dwight and Clara Evans. Joan lived most of her childhood in Melrose Park, Illinois. She attended Proviso Township High School where she played in the band and was the drum major. She went on to attend Elmhurst College with her identical twin sister Janet as her roommate.

Joan married her high school sweetheart, James Elmer Hinkle who received his commission as an Air Force pilot two months later. Joan traveled in support of Jim's career and together they raised four children: Michelle (Chuck) Hammock, Cheryll (Randy) Ross, Sandra (William) Taylor and James (Kristie) Hinkle. Joan remained the anchor as the family was stationed all over the United States. None of their four children were born in the same state. She was a scout leader, PTA volunteer, and homemaker whose crafts and baking won ribbons at several Alabama State Fairs. Joan loved hosting family gatherings and volunteering.

The family settled in Montgomery Alabama in 1973 where Jim retired. In Montgomery, they saw their children each become an Auburn graduate making them a house of War Eagles. Joan loved watching any kind of sports on television. She also enjoyed the daily crossword puzzle, trivia, brain teasers and Sodoku. Joan would do anything for you as long as it wasn't during Jeopardy.

After retirement, Jim began a second career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Georgia Washington Junior High School. Joan soon followed, starting first as a long-term substitute and then full-time as the In-School-Suspension Supervisor. She was a regular at school football games where Jim announced the plays and Joan kept the scoreboard.

After their second retirement, Jim and Joan traveled around the world and took multiple trips to Disney World. They were both involved in Sunday school and church activities at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Joan remained an active leader in scouting and attended several National Jamborees, National Order of the Arrow Conferences and volunteered several summers at Philmont. She volunteered with the American Red Cross during hurricane evacuations.

Joan and Jim shared 64 years of marriage before Jim died on January 13, 2020. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Dwight and Clara Evans and sister Janet Wendel. In addition to their four children, Joan leaves behind six grandchildren; Sarah Taylor (Charlie) Vaughan, Erin Hammock (Liam) Kelly, Rachel Taylor, Charles James (Kim Belanger-Giguere) Hammock, James Eric Hinkle, Joshua Hinkle and great-grandchildren Leah, Robert and Robin Jeanette Vaughan. Joan also leaves behind the continued love and support of Jim's brothers, sisters and their families.

Joan will be rejoined with Jim and be buried at the Alabama National Cemetery. The service and burial will be private.