Former Pierce County Sheriff James “Jim” Hines died Monday, June 12 with his family by his side. He was 87 and had been living at Prescott Nursing & Rehabilitation.

According to his obituary, Hines worked as a milk hauler with his dad Walter and served in the Army Reserves. For 15 years, he built friendships with area farmers who appreciated his strong work ethic.

In 1970, he became a patrol deputy with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. In 1984, constituents elected him as sheriff, a role he held until his retirement in 2001.

Hines hired former Sheriff Nancy Hove, first as a part-timer, then as a full-time jailer/dispatcher in 1997. She remembers him fondly.

“He was a great sheriff. We both served 16 years as sheriff for Pierce County,” she said. “He was always calm about things and his door was always open.”

Retired Pierce County Chief Deputy Neil Gulbranson worked with Hines as a traffic officer and during his tenure as sheriff.

“What I remember most about Jim was his kindness, his open-door philosophy, his willingness to always listen to his deputies and the public and give advice, Gulbranson said. “There wasn’t a day we didn’t hear his deep belly laugh throughout the office. He was truly a professional law enforcement officer with a caring heart for all.”

Former chief deputy and current County Administrator Jason Matthys was the last deputy to be hired by Hines.

“I started my career with the sheriff’s office in December 2000 and Jim retired weeks later in January 2001,” Matthys said. “He was extremely welcoming and a true professional.”

Hines’ kindness and caring also extended into the community. He volunteered for the Ellsworth Fire Department from 1962-1988. He also served on the Ellsworth Village Board as a trustee for several years. He was a member of English Lutheran Church, Hancock Masonic Lodge, the Ellsworth Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, St. Croix Valley Shrine Club and the Kinne-Engelhart American Legion Post 204.

He and his wife Elaine had three children: Todd, Sara and Mark.

Hines’ memorial service will take place at noon on Friday, June 28, 2024 at English Lutheran Church (229 W. Main St., Ellsworth). A visitation will be held 9 a.m. until noon preceding the service.

For more, see Hines’ obituary.