English Professor James Hines Dies

James Hines, an English professor at Saddleback College for 23 years and a major force in designing the school’s literature program, has died at age 73 while vacationing in Arizona.

Hines, who retired in December, was known by colleagues and students for his inspirational teaching style and passion for learning. In 1992 he was honored by former student Sue Gross and her husband, Newport Beach investor William Gross, who started the James Hines Teachers of the Year Foundation to provide $100,000 for cash prizes in the annual Orange County Teacher of the Year competition.

A Shakespeare scholar, Hines traveled to England in 1992 to establish the college’s Semester at Oxford program, which began last fall. He also taught a popular Bible-as-literature class, for which he traveled to the Mideast, Rome and Greece to consult with scriptural scholars.

A San Clemente resident since 1970, Hines previously chaired the English department at Fullerton High School for 17 years and received the school’s Teacher of the Year award in 1968.

His teaching methods also were featured in a 1965 textbook titled “Voices in the Classroom.”

Hines, who died Monday, is survived by his wife, Joann, sister Muriel Colby, brothers John Hines and Tom Hines, and stepsons David Morken and James Morken.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday at Saddleback College’s Doyle McKinney Theatre.