James William Hill

James William Hill passed away peacefully in his home January 30, 2021 with his wife and son at his side. He was born May 1, 1925 in New Raymer, Colorado. He lived a full and happy life for 95 years. As a teenager he became an Eagle Scout, played trumpet in the high school band and later sang in the Navy choir while stationed in Hawaii. He was inducted into the Navy in April 1943. One of the first things he did as a new recruit was to teach 240 men the semaphore flag signals that he learned as an Eagle Scout. Later the Navy sent him to ordnance training where he remained until discharged at the end of World War II. He purchased the lease on the Shell Station in Oakridge on February 10, 1951. About this same time he met Dorothy and on April 14, 1951 they were married. Dad said, “Looking back to 1951, that’s when his life began”. From that time on “everything had a purpose and new meaning”. During his retirement years he enjoyed woodworking and made several beautiful pieces for family members that will be cherished forever. He also enjoyed traveling with Mom and had many special memories of the wonderful places they visited over the years He was on the Board of Directors for Lane Electric for 39 years and a member of the American Legion Cascade Post 64 for over 20 years. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years Dorothy E Hill; three children: Penny Daugherty (Terry) of Tucson, AZ, Sally McKinney (Dave) of Eugene and James Hill of Oakridge; six Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren. He was a family man, extremely proud of his family and said “I owe it all to my Dorothy.” Dad you were loved and will be missed. Rest in Peace. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.