Jim contributed to the Chapter's mission of assisting Vietnam
Veterans (actually, all veterans, including the recent veterans of the Gulf War). His ideas, spontaneity, and
candor, were invaluable. His clear insights provided us with food for thought, and in a way, he was like
a conscience.
Jim was outspoken, positive, and right on the mark. He truly believed in
the Vietnam Veterans of America's founding principle: "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another", and practiced
it at every opportunity.
After Vietnam, living with memories of the war ("his demons", as he referred to
them), he wandered and rode the rails. He followed his heart and ultimately became
a Busker at Seattle's Pike Place Market. He was an outstanding folk song writer and performer, with fresh
ideas and views on the matters of the day, and recorded his work to share with us.
Jim always put his family first, and wasn't bashful talking about his wife, daughter
and son. He loved people, and was always willing to share, whether
it was performing one of his songs, obliging a tourist wanting their photo taken with him while he was performing, or helping
someone who needed a couple of bucks. As a performer, it could be brightening a child’s day with a riddle or a
song, taking the time to share conversation with a tourist, or words of encouragement to a struggling fellow Busker. Whether a hug, advice, or an honest opinion, he was there for us, and a
friend to us all.
After dealing with "his demons" for twenty years following the war, he submitted
his claim for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the VA. Following a decade of VA denials, and after much
hard work and frustration, his PTSD disability claim was finally accepted following his appeal to the Veterans Court, in May
of 2008.
Unexpectedly, Jim Hinde died June 2008 at home in his sleep two weeks before his
57th birthday. The members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 102 have been honored to have had the privilege of
knowing him as a true friend and valued team mate.
