James Lewis Hobbins – Hansen-Spear

James “Jim” Lewis Hobbins, age 98, of Quincy, died Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 2:27 am in Blessing Hospital.

Jim was born November 2, 1926, in West Moreland County, Pennsylvania, the son of John William and Mary Myrtle Bovard Hobbins.

Jim grew up in Pittsburgh. As a result of spending time playing with the Rooney family children, he was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. At the age of 16, it became necessary for Jim go to work to help support his family. He proved a hard worker, willing to do just about any job to support his family. In 1944, Jim was drafted into the United States Army and was proud to have served in both the Philippines and Japan. After his military service had ended, Jim returned to his education and eventually attained a Bachelors Degree from West Virginia University.

Prior to his marriage to Sue, Jim married Ruth Ann Moser. To this union were born four children. The couple also raised Ruth Ann’s younger sister. Jim later married Patricia Conklin and became stepfather to her three children. After Patricia’s death, Jim sold his home in Ohio and relocated to Hawaii. He met Sue McLennan through an online chat room for those who had lost their spouse. They chatted for nine months before deciding to meet in person. Sue flew to Hawaii where the two made an instant connection. After a short courtship, the new couple decided to get married. They were married July 26, 2014, in Ocean View, Hawaii. The couple soon returned to Sue’s hometown of Quincy, IL.

Jim became an active member of the Quincy community. Together, Jim and Sue founded the Virgene Project, in Quincy, in honor of dear friend, veteran, and long-time supporter of local Veterans, Virgene Gilkerson. Being a devoted supporter and representative of the veteran’s community, it seemed appropriate that the Virgene Project keep her memory alive and pay tribute to her service to the country, her church community, and to Quincy. The Project supports our local veterans, primarily, by providing clothing to Veterans in need. They also work to be sure our Veterans are fed and provided the resources they need to not just survive, but to thrive. Jim was also a member of Quincy American Legion Post #37.

Jim loved to perform and was always active in various community projects. In his younger years he sang in the Pittsburgh opera and started the Grandparents Theater in Columbus Ohio. He also sang in the Quincy Community Theatre production of “Wonderful Things”. At the time of his death, Jim was in the midst of writing a play based on Don Quixote. When able, he enjoyed jogging, playing basketball, and golf. Jim was also a very adventurous man. He was an accomplished spelunker, rock climber, and enjoyed hiking. Jim was a former member of Harcourt Parish Episcopal Church, in Gambier, OH. He was a current member of Christ Lutheran Church in Quincy.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Sue, include: three children, Jamie Hobbins, Megan (Frank) Rozanek, and Jason (Lori) Hobbins, all of Columbus, OH; three stepchildren; numerous grandchildren, including a special grandson, Clayton Hobbins; a brother, Donald (Lou) Hobbins; a brother-in-law, John R. Clark; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim had also become close to Sue’s children: Sean (Sheri) McLennnan, Aaron (Sandy) McLennnan, and Scott McLennnan.

James was preceded in death by: his parents, John and Mary Hobbins; a son, Marc Hobbins; two grandsons, Marc Ian Reynolds and Justin Hobbins; four sisters, Florence, Jean, Francis, and Betty; and a particularly close brother-in-law, Robert.

Visitation: 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Saturday December 14, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church.

Memorial Service: 11:30 am Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church, with Rev. Daniel Grainger officiating. There will be no burial. Military Funeral Honors will be Provided by American Legion Post #37 and the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

There will be a light luncheon in the Christ Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.