James E. (Spike) Hinman, Jr

. James E. (Spike) Hinman, Jr., GySgt (USMC Retired), 89, of Albany, passed away November 13, 2015 at his residence after battling cancer. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Mathews Funeral Home. Rev. Billy Hanna will officiate. Interment will follow at Andersonville National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. with Military Honors.

Spike was born and raised in Indianapolis and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17. He served 22 years and retired as a highly decorated Gunnery sergeant. Shortly after his 18th birthday he was part of the first wave of Marines to hit the lava beaches at Iwo Jima, where he was wounded and received his first of two purple hearts. He would continue his service in Korea and serve with distinction during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign, becoming known as one of the 'Chosin Few'.

Following his military retirement, Spike lived and worked in the Albany community for more than 30 years, to include time with the Albany Police Department and went on to retire from The Naval Autodin, Marine Corps Logistics Base with 47 years Federal Service. He served God and Country from 1943 until 1992. James was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church and the American Legion post #30.

He was preceded in death by his wife Beatrice Lee Hinman, and a sister Betty Geneva Gau. Survivors include a daughter Tamara (John) Siler of Atlanta, GA, a son John (Aleta) Hinman of Macon, GA, and two granddaughters, Alexis Siler and Megan Hinman.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home.