James E. Hill

James E. Hill passed away November 21, 2020 in Lacey, Washington, his home of 28 years. He was born August 31, 1937, to Virgil and Ruby Mae (McKinney) Hill in St. Louis, Missouri. James joined the U.S. Air Force at age 17, and proudly served from September 1954 to December 1974, during the Korean War and Vietnam War. After his service, he worked as a civilian at Madigan Army Medical Center, until he retired in September 2002. James was patriotic his entire life, and enjoyed reading newspapers from cover to cover to stay informed about current events and politics. He was a member of Air Force Sergeants Association. He married Gladys Edwards in December 1962; they divorced in December 1974. He later married Lois Lee, who passed away in 2002. James was organized and meticulous. He loved bowling, playing chess, doing crossword puzzles, reading political biographies, and watching sports on TV, especially tennis, golf, and baseball. He will be remembered as huge Mariners fan and as a practical joker. He was predeceased by his wives, Gladys and Lois; his parents; granddaughter, Angel L. “Nikki” Allen; and sisters, Virgie “Pat” Wright, and Phyllis “Patricia” Johnson. He is survived by his son, Mark D. Hill of Macomb, Michigan; daughter, Marva Y. Hill of Beaumont, Texas; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother, Maurice Coxeff of Vancouver, Washington; and sisters, Marian Hill of San Diego, California, Cynthia Thomas (husband, Andrew Thomas) of Vancouver, Cecelia Moore of Portland, Oregon, Joyce Coxeff of Portland, and Angela Moore of California. A host of family and friends will cherish his memory. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.