James Walter Hinz, 79, passed away at his home in El Paso, TX. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Catherine (Cathy) Ann Setter. Jim was her devoted caregiver for years and his family believes he died of a broken heart.

Jim was born on July 10, 1946 in Moorhead, MN. He graduated from Moorhead High School with the Class of 1964. An exceptional athlete, he distinguished himself on the tennis court throughout high school and into college, earning recognition as one of the top ranked players in the Upper Midwest .

Jim attended North Dakota State University as a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1968, he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his military career, Jim served with the U.S. Army Rangers in Vietnam and earned his Airborne wings as a paratrooper. On a later tour, he led a Division Advisory Radio Research Support (DARRS) detachment providing classified intelligence support to U.S. advisers and South Vietnamese forces. He attained the rank of Captain and served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

Jim then wed Cathy at St. Francis Church in Moorhead, MN , and following his military service, accepted a position with the Panama Canal Company. He and Cathy lived in Panama for several years before returning to the United States.

Jim next earned a master’s degree from North Dakota State University and spent the remainder of his professional career as a math teacher at Socorro High School in El Paso, TX. He had a passion for teaching and left a lasting impression on countless young people. He retired from San Elizario Independent School District.

Throughout his time in El Paso, Jim was a devoted community volunteer, delivering complete Thanksgiving meals to families in need and working with the Socorro High School tennis team. He also served as a member of the district’s Health Professions Academy at Socorro, where he spent countless hours tutoring math as well as assisting with after school activities and competition events. Jim enjoyed chaperoning trips for the school and remained a strong presence in the student’s lives, even into his retirement.

Jim and Cathy took great joy in being surrounded by an ever-evolving pack of dogs. Jim retained a childlike obsession with acquiring toys, explaining his passion away with the phrase “He who has the most toys wins!”. Jim also had a passion for stained glass art and made many works, which he gifted to his family and military friends.

Jim and Cathy had no children, but were loved by an extended family of siblings and an army of nephews, nieces and their children. Their visits were memorable for their laughter, gentle kidding, and acceding to requests for copious amounts of sugar-laden drinks and pizza!

Throughout his life, Jim embraced every endeavor with determination, humility and excellence. Whether representing his school on the tennis court, serving his country with honor , or inspiring students in the classroom, he lived a life defined by integrity, discipline , and a quiet strength. His service to his country exemplified courage, dedication and selfless commitment under extraordinary circumstances. He will be deeply missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy and his parents John F. Hinz and Carol Hanawalt Hinz. He is survived by family members , brother John Hinz (Mitzi) of Vining, MN, sisters Mary Helen Hinz of St. Paul, MN , Elizabeth Smith of Park Rapids, MN and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Catherine Setter Hinz and James W. Hinz at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM prior to the service. Following the service there will be a luncheon followed by burial at St. Joseph's cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

Memorials may be directed to any veterans organization, educational scholarship or charity you may choose.

A livestream of the mass can be found below.