James S. Hills

Jim Hills, 64, died at his home in Volcano, California, on April 2, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His final days were spent surrounded by his family. Jim was the kind of father every kid would love to have. Time and again he would be there for his children in a heartbeat — driving for hours to bring one a surprise lunch when their workday had turned grim, jumping into his truck to help another dig his car out of a snow bank in freezing nighttime weather, offering a world of wisdom delivered with honesty, kindness and frequently a touch of his trademark dry humor. He made people feel loved and believed in. Jim was a man of lifelong prayer who looked upon his faith as a treasure. He lived his life doing the right thing. He spoke ill of no one, intended harm to no one, nor was he ever heard to complain about what life dealt him. He was as honest as they come, and it always pleased him greatly to do a fine quality job for his customers. A sure and steady man, Jim chose his words carefully when speaking. His gift for telling a good story would draw you right in through an abundance of carefully noted detail and a dash of understated wit. He loved deer hunting and fishing, and was a lifelong Oakland A’s and Raiders fan. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Connie, his children James, Josh and Lisa, his four grandsons, his brother Bob, his sisters-in-law Shelly and Susan, his daughter-in-law Chelsea, and his sister Mary Ann. He was preceded in death by his brother, Danny.