James Douglas Hinga

57, a loved father of three and prominent Denver mediator and former attorney, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2006 at his home. Jim is remembered as a wonderful person, who always put the needs of others before his own and cared deeply for his family and friends. He was remembered as a lover of music and dance. Some of the fondest memories of his children were of him tickling their feet, goosing their rumps and getting down to Motown. Though his professional achievements were abundant, Jim was mostly known for his affable and inclusive personality that brightened people's day. His love for his children was immeasurable. He attended almost every football game and swim meet, even if it was across the country. It is the little things that a father teaches his children that sticks in their memory '"" how to bait a hook, tie a tie, dance and always write thank you notes. He instilled in his children a belief that they could do anything they set their minds to and that the most important thing in life is to be a good and honorable person. Known as a world class fisherman (or at least a world class story teller), Jim traveled frequently to the Hinga cottage on Lake George on the Indiana and Michigan border to be with the family he treasured. It here that he found peace and happiness later in his life. He never missed a chance to bring friends from town back to the lake and go to Notre Dame football games. Jim is remembered by many as the 'Muncie Milkman' who played basketball for Notre Dame, graduating in 1971, during which time they were #1 in the country. He was still very close with his teammates and frequently returned to South Bend for games. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992 on the Silver Anniversary Basketball Team. He was a skilled and popular dispute resolution expert frequently sought for his knowledge and insight. He brought to his diverse mediation and arbitration practice the skills honed from over 25 years as a litigator. He also brought his favorite song 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' to the table; he is backlogged in royalties to Mick and Keith. He would also stop any mediation or arbitration if one of his children was on the phone, and he ended every phone call with I love you and I am so proud of you. Jim received his J.D. from the University of Mississippi, his B.A. from Notre Dame and graduated from Burris High School in Muncie Indiana. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana on December 29, 1948 to John James and Mary Louise Hinga. Survivors include his children: Peter Hinga of Washington, D.C., Emily Hinga of Denver, Colorado and Sean Hinga of Washington, D.C., his siblings: Mike Hinga of Muncie, Indiana, Kate Pfohl of Toledo, Ohio, Tom Hinga of La Selva Beach, California, Anne Mikesell of Golden, Colorado, his former wife Katie Henderson of Denver, Colorado and a loving extended family. Services will be held at Central Presbyterian Church on 17th and Sherman at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 10, 2006; reception to follow.