Dr. James Victor Hinrichs

HINRICHS, PENNEY, VANDER STOEP, BECKER, SLEPICKA, LEVINSON

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 7/3/2009 at 11:35:18

Dr. James Victor Hinrichs, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the
University of Iowa, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006, at age 64,
following a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born May 19, 1941 in Harlan, Iowa, the son of James Victor
Penney Hinrichs and Leona Vander Stoep. He received his Bachelor of
Arts in Mathematics from the University of Iowa in 1963. While at
Stanford University, Jim met fellow graduate student Charlene Becker,
whom he married on December 29, 1964. After receiving his Doctor of
Philosophy in Psychology in 1967, Jim returned to the University of
Iowa as a professor in the Department of Psychology, where he enjoyed
a distinguished career for 33 years.

During his tenure, he researched judgment and short-term memory,
including the effects of tranquilizers such as Valium on human memory
and cognition. Jim was also part of the team that brought the National
Advanced Driving Simulator to Iowa, one of the largest pieces of
equipment devoted to the study of human behavior. In addition to his
research, Jim served as Chair of the Department for five years,
starting in 1989. Over this period, undergraduate majors tripled,
grant support increased significantly, and 16 new professors joined
the Department. Jim was also proud of the many students he mentored
over the years.

An avid Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinal fan, Jim rarely missed
watching a game. He was a voracious reader and also enjoyed traveling,
including a year in Malaysia and recent trips to the Netherlands and
China.

Jim is survived by his wife, Charlene; his two daughters, Susan
Hinrichs and Kristine (Jim) Slepicka; his mother, Leona Levinson; his
brother, Robert; and a niece and five nephews. He was preceded in
death by his father, James, and three brothers, Larry, Dennis, and Tim.

The family wishes to thank Jim’s many friends, colleagues, and
students for their love and support. The family also thanks the staff
of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for the excellent care
Jim received during his illness.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, January 23, at 3:30 pm at
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City, with a reception to
follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the
Department of Psychology, care of the University of Iowa Foundation.