NOVEMBER 18, 1934 – JULY 2, 2022
Obituary
James (“Jim”) Warren Hill, USAF ret., age 87, passed away in Nacogdoches, Texas on July 2, 2022. Born in San Antonio, Texas, his family moved to Mission, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley a few years later. His parents, Vernon and Leona C. Hill were early pioneers settling in the valley during the depression era. Both parents were actively involved in the building and operations of military facilities in the valley during WWII. After the war, the family transitioned to farm and ranch management.
In 1952, he graduated from Sharyland High School in Mission and pursued his number-one goal to play football at Texas A&M in College Station. Jim made the huge leap from class B six-man to southwest conference football as a walk-on to become a freshman letterman. After two years, he left Texas A&M and joined the US Air Force for four years, completing a three-year tour in Germany. Jim returned to the states, was discharged, and returned to college this time at Texas Tech in Lubbock where he received a BBA with a major in marketing. His entire lifetime, he was torn by his divided loyalty to his beloved schools.
After college graduation, he qualified to attend the US Air Force Officer Training School in San Antonio, TX. While there, he was appointed to be the cadet wing commander responsible for coordinated administration and cadet training Jim later received training in logistics and was assigned to the 13″ Air Force HQ staff, Clark Air Force Base, The Philippines. At Clark, he was recognized as The Outstanding War Reserves Material Officer in The Pacific. In 1963, Jim volunteered to attend the officer Communication Intelligence School which led to long overseas assignments in Italy, Hawaii and Japan, and numerous short assignments to Alaska, Korea, England, Spain, Greece, Thailand and Vietnam.
During the early stages of the Vietnam War, Jim was selected to use two modified WWIIC-47 aircraft to perform, test and evaluate operational feasibility to provide real-time airborne tactical intelligence support to US combat troops in Vietnam. The project was such a success that it led to the activation of over 48 additional C-47s. He was subsequently assigned to airborne intelligence units that flew EC-121s, EC-130s and RC-135s. With over 20 years of service, Jim retired as a major. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal with 3 OLC, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 OLC and numerous additional campaign and service medals.
His second career of over twenty years included employment in the agri-poultry business in personnel, operations and sales management, retiring from Holy Farms/Tyson Foods, Inc. in 2007.
Jim was a much-beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. His most endearing qualities were his integrity and courage, his caring and tender heart, and his out-going personality. Jim never met a stranger. He consistently put God, Country, Family, and always others before himself. He was an honorable man and role model for others, especially young people.
The joy and pride of his life were his grandchildren who affectionally called him Pepaw. He never missed an opportunity to be the most encouraging, supportive, generous, and engaging grand-father possible, and he never missed a chance to let them know how proud he was for them for their choices and accomplishments.
Players and fans in Central Heights and in Harleton, Texas will remember him as the ever present and most enthusiastic cheering granddad in the stands at Little League and other sporting and cheerleading events. Jim always had an encouraging yell or message for each team member, as well as for his grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his loving wife and best friend, Beverly Watson Hill of Nacogdoches and formerly of Marshall, Texas, daughter Holly Jane Hill Oney and husband Darr of Dallas, Tx, and step-daughter Tammy Hamilton Caskey of Nacogdoches. Grandchildren are Leigh Ann Hamilton Fisher and husband Chase, Cash Hamilton and wife Shelby, and Jacob Hamilton and wife, Logan. Great-grandchildren surviving Mr. Hill are Savannah Fisher, Caroline Fisher, Maverick James Fisher, Holly Hamilton and Korbyn Sears.
The family is grateful and appreciative for the competent and compassionate care by the following physicians and staffs: Vijaya Pokala, Blaise Ferraraccio, Donald Cagle, Mary Hebert, James Young, Charles Secrest and Brent Campbell. Family also expresses deep appreciation to caregivers Lasonya, Trina, Andrea, Sarena and Deb for their kind and attentive care.
Jim was a Christian and member of the Presbyterian denomination. “Well done, good and faith servant! Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matt. 25:21
Services will be held, 2:00 PM, Friday, July 8, 2022 at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with
burial following at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Nacogdoches.
Pallbearers will be Cash Hamilton, Jake Hamilton, Chase Fisher, Jacob Hightower and Weston Crawford.
Family requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers to LOVE, INC., CASA, or the charity of choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com for the Hill family.