July 22, 1940 – October 28, 2024
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The Atrium Health family celebrates the life and legacy of James E.S. Hynes – a man who defined the model of character and will be forever interwoven in the fabric of our health system. He will always be remembered as the “historic glue” of board leadership, beloved mentor, and most of all – a dear friend to Atrium Heath.
Jim’s service to Atrium Health spanned over a remarkable 50 years, beginning with his initial volunteer work on the original advisory board of (what was then) Charlotte Memorial Hospital. He went on to hold key roles on the Carolinas HealthCare System board, serving as vice chair from 1985 to 1999 and chair from 2000 to 2012. In 2013, he joined the board of Atrium Health Foundation and served until 2020. Until his final days, he served as a founding member of the Advocate Health Board.
Asked why he was not tempted to cultivate other interests during such a long stretch of time, he said it was because the job never got boring. “The organization was forever changing and growing,” he said. “My job was never the same any two years in a row.” Growth and change were always important to Jim, yet he was always the constant for Atrium Health.
Raised in Mecklenburg County, he was always on a mission; as son of a successful farmer and businessman, he aspired to grow by challenging himself. His strong work ethic fueled him to achieve goals that stretched beyond simply doing well. He sought to excel.
Jim graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1962 and went on to attend Naval Officer Candidate School, after which he was assigned to serve on an admiral’s personal staff. That position led to extensive travel to exotic locales such as Beirut, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong, as well as ports in Italy and Japan. Over his lifetime, he visited more than 80 countries, his favorite being Egypt. He was truly defined by his early travels and military service.
When he wasn’t traveling, Jim lent his leadership talents and people skills to many civic organizations. He served on many corporate, arts, educational and philanthropic boards. He led many successful capital campaigns and always gave generously of his own resources.
Perhaps Jim Hynes’ most impactful gift has been his time, especially at Atrium Health. He had a knack for energizing people with his passion, and his optimism helped him recruit others to change the course of healthcare in the Carolinas and beyond.
In 2023, Jim Hynes and dear friend, Howard C. “Smoky” Bissell, teamed up to transform the trajectory of prostate cancer care at Atrium Health Levine Cancer. Smoky, along with his wife, Margaret, established the Jim Hynes Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence and the Jim Hynes Endowed Chair in Prostate Cancer at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. His legacy will advance access to, and quality of, prostate cancer treatment, detection, screenings, and related clinical research at Atrium Health Levine Cancer.
Always thinking of others, in Jim’s final days, he teamed up once again with Mr. Bissell to honor their dear friend, Stuart Dickson, by naming the R. Stuart Dickson Skybridge. This gift of friendship will create the gateway to advanced medicine for patients, teammates, and visitors.
Jim’s generosity was endless – philanthropically supporting many initiatives within Atrium Heath, including Levine Cancer Institute, Sanger Heart and Vascular, and Levine Children’s Hospital. He was also a proud member of the Evergreen Society, which recognizes those who have made planned gifts to the health system.
Jim’s life was an anthem to service. Every day he gave every bit of his time, talent and treasure to his family, country, and community. He was dedicated to the “for all” part of Atrium Health’s mission, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.