Memorial
James M. Hynes was born on November 15, 1933, in Chicago, IL, near Comiskey Park. Despite his South Side roots, Jim was always a devoted Cubs fan. He spent much of his childhood on a golf course in Lincolnshire, IL, where he developed a lifelong love of the game.
Jim met his beloved wife, Lynn, in high school, thanks to his sister Jackie, who was Lynn's best friend. They married after Jim's sophomore year at Purdue University. With Lynn's support-both emotionally and financially-he completed his engineering degree. Sadly, Jim's father, Frank, passed away soon after their marriage.
After college, Jim fulfilled his ROTC commitment by serving two years in Tacoma, WA, where their daughter Mary Colette was born. The family later moved back to the Midwest, settling first in Davenport, IA, where their son Mike was born, and then in Cedar Rapids, IA. There, Jim co-founded Engineering Associates and made Cedar Rapids home for 53 years. A passionate golfer, he was rumored to have scored many holes-in-one during his time in Iowa. In 2016, Jim and Lynn relocated to Alpharetta, GA, to be closer to their children and six grandchildren. Sadly, Lynn passed away peacefully in early 2017.
Jim lived a full and generous life, dedicating time and energy to numerous charitable organizations in Cedar Rapids and in Alpharetta. He had a gift for friendship, making lifelong connections everywhere he lived. He celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by 17 family members and over 100 friends-a testament to the deep relationships he built throughout his life.
Jim passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 8, 2025. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Danielak, her husband Mike, and their sons Zack, Nick, and Matt (and his wife Lucy Coxe); his son Mike Hynes, his wife Stacy, and his granddaughters Ally Peters (and her husband Kip, and their son Jake Peters), Rachel Thompson (and her husband Taylor), and James M. Hynes II ("Jack"). He is also survived by his sister Patricia Walkey and brother-in-law George.
Jim's gentle spirit, cheerful humming, and constant search for a good card game will be deeply missed by his many friends at Emblem. He was a kind, warm, and joyful presence wherever he went.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Alpharetta, GA. Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, IA, where Jim will be laid to rest beside Lynn.