James Hawkes

June 22, 1950 – February 16, 2021

JAMES “Jim” HAWKES, son of Gardner and Anabelle Hawkes of Hingham, died on February 16, 2021 in Chicago at the age of 70.  Jim was a graduate of Hingham High School and Northeastern University.  

While living in Hingham, Jim loved working with his Dad on the family home.  He enjoyed wallpapering, painting and carpentry including completing a doll house (started by his Dad) for a great niece.  He also pursued other artistic endeavors and produced several paintings and a few stained glass pieces.  

After graduating from Northeastern with a BS in chemistry, Jim worked at MIT as a technical assistant.  He later traveled to Saudi Arabia working as a chemist with the Consumer Protection Agency.  While abroad he enjoyed travelling to many different countries including Egypt, Denmark, Russia and Great Britain where he visited London and Wales.   On his return to the US, Jim continued his education at the University of Illinois.  At the University, he worked as a research assistant and assistant professor while earning his Masters and a PHD in Food Science.  He also worked in the food industry as a research scientist for Continental Colloids, Sara Lee and Kraft Foods.  The state of Illinois became his “new” home in the 1980’s and he settled in Chicago for the past 20 years. 

Jim’s other merits include his acts of service at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Episcopal Church of the Atonement in Chicago where he served as Clerk of the Vestry for two years.

Jim is survived by his sisters, Barbara DeMings of Chelmsford, MA and Muriel Christopher of Fairfax Station, VA, as well as 7 nieces and nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews.  Jim will be missed for his generous heart, quiet gentle ways and his subtle sense of humor. 

A memorial service will be held at Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel in late July.

Gone too soon, he will be remembered forever in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Hawkes, please visit our floral store.