PITTSTON – James Ruff Hynson passed away May 19, 2024. He was born to Guy Jefferson Hynson and Mary Louise (Ruff) Hynson on Dec. 10, 1950, in Takoma Park, Md.

He is survived by stepchildren and spouses, Susanne Chandler and George Crumley as well as Peter Chandler and Kirk Webber; grandchildren, including Margaret Annie Dumke of California, Amy Landry of Auburn; and cousins Mary Frances Butler and Herbert Hynson Jr. of Foneswood, Va.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of nearly 40 years, Susan (Gerrish) Hynson; his grandparents, Sula Desolee (Yeatman) and Wilbur Frank Hynson, as well as Kate (Jackson) Ruff and Edward G. Ruff; and cousin, Edward C. Ruff.

He went to the University of Maine at Orono where he studied wildlife science and graduated in the class of 1972. He moved on to receive a Master of Natural Resources from the University of Michigan in 1974. He returned to Maine in 1977 after accepting a job with the Center for Natural Areas (offices, in Washington, D.C., South Gardiner, and Ojai, Calif.). In 1984, he went to work for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and retired 28 years later.

He was a member of several Boards of Directors of conservation and environmental groups, including the Maine State Council of Trout Unlimited, the Maine Chapter of The Wildlife Society, and the Natural Resources Council of Maine. He also participated in several sporting groups including the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA), the Ruffed Grouse Society, and Ducks Unlimited. His passions included upland bird hunting over dogs (especially Brittanys), waterfowl hunting (also with Brittanys), and fly fishing for trout.

He grew up worshiping at the North Chevy Chase Christian Church in Maryland, where he was a third-generation member. He most recently worshiped at the Highland Avenue United Methodist Church, in Gardiner where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, June 1 with light refreshments and fellowship following.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

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