Mr. James Arthur Hines, affectionately known as "Jimmy" to his friends but always "James Arthur" to his Bethel family, departed this life on November 9, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on July 22, 1934, in Bethel, North Carolina, to Sellie Howard and Elizabeth "Eppsie" Hines-Howard, he brought joy and warmth wherever he went, forgoing lifelong friendships and values that defined his legacy. in the late 1960s, he migrated to New York City before settling in New Haven, Connecticut. A true entrepreneur at heart, he owned and operated his own business before taking on a security role at VIP Apartments, where he worked faithfully for over 30 years until his retirement. Cherished for his culinary skills, he was known for his famous chopped BBQ and coleslaw, loved by all who tasted them.

Every summer, he returned to Bethel for the Hines Family Reunion, a tradition he held dear and where he was undoubtedly the life of the party. His arrival was always eagerly anticipated, with family and friends lighting up at the news of "James Arthur's coming." A lover of music and good times, he enjoyed listening to his favorite artists-Sam Cooke, James Brown, and Johnny Taylor. Known for his humor, he also enjoyed a good laugh, with Richard Pryor as his favorite comedian.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sellie Howard and Elizabeth "Epp" Hines Howard; his son, Robert Thomas Hines (Leora) and his daughter, Patricia Perkins; He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Nancy Hines of Hamden, CT, and children: James Haywood, Lonnie Hines (Anna), Sellie Hines, Troy Hines, Viola Highsmith, Vickie Graham, and Valerie Staton, all of North Carolina; George Hines, Janice Hines, and Derrick Hines, all of New York City; Vendetta Hines (Gary) of Pennsylvania; Regina Bynum (Ricky), Sharon Brower, Stacey Bennett, and Demetris Bennett (Danae), all of Connecticut. He is also survived by his best friend, Duke Highsmith, who he affectionately called his brother, along with a host of other children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-greatgrandchildren, extended family, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden, CT, on Saturday, November 16th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by his homegoing journey to Bethel, NC. His funeral will be entrusted to Perkins Funeral Home, where a homegoing service will take place at Bethel Chapel, 408 Lincoln St., Bethel, NC. He will be laid to rest with his mother and grandmother at Pine Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at Hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com.