James Anderson Hill

On Sunday, October 1, 2023, James Anderson Hill entered eternal rest at his home in Grandview, Missouri. He passed away after courageous battles with cancer and Parkinson’s.

James began his life in Newport News, Virginia, born on August 22, 1942, to the late Morris Hill Sr. and Bessie Gray Hill. He was the youngest of 7 children and very early on earned his enduring reputation as a “troublemaker” among family and friends. He received his education in Newport News Public Schools and attended Huntington High School. His early years growing up on the Tidewater Peninsula inspired his love of swimming and fishing.

In search of new opportunity and recognizing that his brash personality did not fit well within the limits of southern segregation, James moved north to New Jersey in the 1960s. While working as a painter at Orange Memorial Hospital, he met the love of his life, Evelyn, who would stand beside him, through thick and thin, for 56 years of marriage. James began working at Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, New Jersey in the early 1970s and, after more than 30 years of service, retired as an inspector from the Kansas City Assembly Plant in 2004.

James was blessed with a sharp wit and a playful sense of humor that were at times irreverent, but forever endearing to those who knew and loved him. His many nicknames were all terms of endearment and included Hokie, Spaceman, J1, Hill, Jimmy, Donald Duck, Maynard, and Poppa James. A fast, smooth talker, James clearly believed that embellishment and exaggeration were the “secret sauce” of any great story, and you could count on him to pour it on thick. His most formidable verbal sparring partner was his wife, Evelyn, and banter between the two was a source of entertainment for all who experienced it.

With his hat to the back or cocked to the side, James was always up for a good card game – any game, any time. Fiercely protective, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were a source of great joy and pride and he delighted in spending time with them.  A champion road-tripper, James was always ready to pack up the car and trek cross country, with his wife as faithful co-pilot, to enjoy time with family and friends. He cherished memories of extended family fishing outings on the Chesapeake Bay and those great backyard cookouts in New Jersey.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Bessie Hill and his siblings Morris Hill, Jr, Charles Hill, Captoria Benjamin, Helen Garris, Dorothy Vaughn, and Vivian Hines. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Brian Keith, Sr. (wife, Sharon) and Lori Diane; grandchildren, Donald Jr., Brian Keith Jr., and Jordan Brianne; great grandchildren; Donald III, JaCyi, Jaleil, Coby, Maverick, Cairo, Aria, and Cali; his beloved niece and honorary sister, Betty Holmes; and a host of other nieces, nephews and friends. James’ larger-than-life spirit left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him and he will be forever loved and missed.