Jim Hinson: A Lasting Legacy

DR. PHILLIPS “Jim (Hinson) was the perfect man to lead Dr. Phillips Charities, transforming the organization, preparing it for the future in a way only Jim could have done,” Dr. Phillips Charities Chairman Jim Ferber said. “Certainly Dr. Phillips Charities — and the myriad beneficiaries of the organization’s charitable gifts — have all benefitted from Jim’s leadership and wise counsel.”

Mr. Hinson, former president, CEO and chairman of Dr. Phillips Charities, died Sept. 21, 2015. He was 78.

“A visionary leader for (more than) 50 years, Jim took Dr. Phillips Inc. from a successful for-profit family business to one of the region’s most generous and important charitable organizations,” said Ken Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities.

Mr. Hinson learned firsthand from Dr. Philip P. Phillips, developing a vision of community growth and diversification in many senses with a mantra of “Helping Others Help Themselves,” Robinson said. More than $150 million in grants helped Central Florida under his watch, which focused on innovative projects addressing community needs.

With Orlando Health, Mr. Hinson helped to found Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families. He also encouraged the Dr. Phillips Charities Board of Directors to offer the lead grant for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

During his tenure, grants went to youth and educational programs such as Junior Achievement, YMCA of Central Florida, Safe Start and Orange and Osceola public schools initiatives, including a recent $1 million gift to Orange and Osceola public schools to help homeless children.

“Making it possible for every homeless child in Orange and Osceola County to receive new clothing for two years was a particular moment of pride for Jim,” Robinson said. “And making certain each child was sized correctly with the clothes delivered wrapped like a gift was trademark Jim Hinson style.”

Mr. Hinson was also Orlando Health Foundation director; Committee of 100 of Orange County president for more than 25 years; Junior Achievement treasurer, vice president and director; Ivanhoe Foundation director and president; Metropolitan and Dr. P. Phillips YMCAs board of directors member; board member and president of United Arts; Florida Citrus Sports president and chair; and Orange County Commission for Children member.

The University of Central Florida awarded Mr. Hinson an honorary doctor of public service degree, and he is an inductee of the Junior Achievement Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame. Other recognitions include the UCP Jack Holloway Star of Gratitude Award, Junior Achievement Bronze and Silver Leadership awards, the Junior Achievement Henry Cragg Volunteer Award, Orange County’s Law Day Liberty Bell Award, the Junior Achievement Spirit of Achievement Award, the Central Florida YMCA John Sterchi Award and the Association of Fund Raising Professionals H. Clifford Lee Award for Professional Advancement.

“In order for any organization or community to not just grow but to flourish, you need a strong leader,” Ferber said. “Jim has been that leader for Dr. Phillips Charities, the Dr. Phillips community and Orlando. He will be greatly missed.”

Mr. Hinson is survived by his wife, Rita Hinson; and his three sons, James Anthony Hinson Jr., Donald Scott Hinson and John Douglas Hinson; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Services were held Sept. 26 at First Baptist Church, 120 E. Pine St., Orlando.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the YMCA of Central Florida. Gifts can be mailed to the YMCA Metro Office at 433 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803.