Died October 29, 2020.

Palestine-Wheatley Elementary School, Palestine, AR

Music

Obituary:

Life’s journey for Jimmy Ray Hynum began April 14, 1967 at the McCracken Medical Clinic in Stuttgart, Arkansas. At three days old, he was held for the first time by his adoptive parents, Emmett “Bud” Hynum, Jr.  and Mary Campbell Hynum. Jimmy was an only child, filling the home with joy, as they watched him succeed in the challenges of life. He excelled in the academic world, beginning as a 1985 honor graduate of Stuttgart High School. 

He was involved with various clubs in school, but a love for music proved to be his main focus and enjoyment. As a devoted music student, he became 1st chair in the school band, then earned multiple All Region titles.  In his senior year, he was awarded 1st band, 1st chair at All-State, declaring him as the best Tuba player in the state, representing SHS and his family with pride.

Jimmy continued education at UCA in Conway, where he participated with the UCA Wind Ensemble, UCA Marching Band and various other ensembles. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1991.  His career as a band director began with a one-year position at Stuttgart Middle School, then one year at Gillett.  From there, he served six years at Eliza Miller Junior High School in West Helena.  Next came fifteen years as Director of Bands for Brinkley Schools. Jimmy was currently teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade music at Palestine-Wheatley School Elementary.

Jimmy began dating Angela Kaye Senko in 1984.  They were inseperable.  Wherever you saw one, you saw the other.  After ten years and 16 days of dating, Jimmy married the love of his life in a nuptial Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  Although they had no children of their own, as teachers, God blessed them with hundreds of Hynum Babies of all ages who filled their lives with love, joy, and laughter.

Jimmy was an active member of the St. John’s Catholic Church in Brinkley.  He served as financial secretary in the St. John’s chapter of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a member of the Arkansas School Baned and Orchestra Association.  While living in West Helena, he and Angie were active in the Lion’s Club.  Jimmy was currently the interim board president of the Monrow County Human Development Center.  He had a strong interest in law enforcement which led him to go through training and volunteer as an auxiliary deputy for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.  When Angie asked why, Jimmy said he just wanted to be there to help people in any way he could.  Jimmy was compassionate and had a true heart for helping people of all ages.

 Jimmy’s hobbies included playing his tuba and euphonium, reading, riding his Spyder, volunteering at Ducks Unlimited events, and spending time with his Love and their zoo–-Mowgli, Ruby, and Mr. Kitty.

At the age of 53, he passed from this life on October 29, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Little Rock.  He was preceded in death by his parents Emmett “Bud” Hynum, Jr. and Mary.