Jim Hines passed away suddenly on August 3, 2026, after a brief, unexpected illness. He was born on July 3, 1948, in Jackson, Mississippi. At an early age, Jim’s father taught him the value of all people, regardless of the color of their skin. In the 1960’s, Jim attended protests fighting for civil rights of all people, a fight he continued to the end of his life.
Jim moved to Houston, where he later met Barbara, his best friend and wife of 49 years. They moved to Big Bend in 1989, living their dream life on their property on Terlingua Ranch. Through personal experiences, Jim saw a need to reduce emergency medical responses for people in the area. In the early 90’s, Jim along with Barbara, founded South Brewster Responders to provide training to nearly 200 people (mostly river guides) who then volunteered to be on call in the remote areas to respond to emergencies to stabilize patients until Terlingua Medics arrived, often a 45-minute wait.
Jim was an avid birdwatcher and river guide for Big Bend River Tours. After spending some of the best years of his life working as a river guide and birding guide, Jim joined the National Park Service. He was the friendly face that greeted visitors at the Entrance Station; later he became Fee Manager. He retired in December, 2014.
After his career in the park service, he never lost his passion for ensuring emergency medical services for the people of the Terlingua community. He served on the Board of Directors of Terlingua Fire EMS (TFEMS) for 5 years. When the opportunity arose, he agreed to serve as a Commissioner for the Brewster County Emergency Services District from January 2024 until his passing.
Passionate about life, the people he loved and the causes he believed in. Jim was always up for a good conversation whether about politics or current events happening around the world and could be very compelling. He worked hard to support love, peace and justice, when and where he could. He was a protector of the environment and the Rio Grande, and a fierce fighter against a border wall in the Big Bend until the end.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Julie Russ of Georgia and Amber Bailey of Florida; brother-in-law, Michael Sykes and wife, Beth; his beloved wife and best friend of 49 years, Barbara; and his 11-year-old puppy, Leonard.
TFEMS is establishing a scholarship fund In memory of Jim. Donations may be made to TFEMS, P.O Box 290, Terlingua, Texas 79852. Please call TFEMS at 432-371-2536 if you have questions regarding donations.
