James J. Hill

On February 12, 2025, James J. Hill affectionately known as “Pop” and “Papa” by those dearest to him left his heavenly home to be with the Lord.

Visitation:  6pm to 8pm Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco, TX

Graveside Service:  **1pm Monday, February 24, 2025** at Waco Memorial Park, 6623 Interstate 35 S, Robinson, TX

Born May 15, 1932, in Cleburne, Texas to Oscar and Eloise Hill, James was one of seven brothers and sisters. Growing up, his upbringing taught him to work with his hands, shaping him to become a skilled carpenter, gardener, and marksman; his son often telling the story of how he could light a match from a distance with a single shot. James married the love of his life Barbara Jean Burdette in February 1954. Since then, the two have been inseparable, making this year their seventy-first wedding anniversary. They pledged to do life together, and they did just that; where there was one, there was the other. James proudly entered the military in 1953 serving with the U.S. Army. He served in the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and was one of the men of his unit to mount the first U.S. flag in Alaska. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked with the State Highway Department for thirty years, even helping to build the Waco Dam that still stands today. After retirement James and Barbara became gatekeepers with the Texas Corps of Engineers. This proved to be a wonderful time for the couple, enjoying their love of being outdoors and helping others to discover the peacefulness of God’s gift of nature. James loved the Lord and served Him well by helping others in many ways, one memory of helping friend and brother in Christ Brother Reggie Blake build the fellowship hall for their home church Beacon Hill Baptist, stands out as one of his many acts of service.

James is survived by his loving wife Barbara Hill, son James Hill Sr., grandsons James Hill Jr., Jeffrey Hill, their wives Jessie and Heather Hill respectively, granddaughter Morgan Hill, and five great-grandchildren all whom he loved and cherished. We are all missing him, but heaven has gained a true hero in the eyes of his family.