James Hill

James “Jim” Craig Hill was born June 23, 1949, in Spencer, to Charles James Hill and Ruth Margaret (Ewers) Hill. Jim spent his youth in Spencer and following graduation from Spencer High School in 1967 he attended Mankato State College where he received a B.S. degree in 1971.

During high school and college Jim worked summers for the Milwaukee Railroad where his father and an uncle were also employed for many years. Shortly after college Jim moved to Illinois to take a full-time position with the Milwaukee Road. As an inspector Jim traveled extensively throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota for a number of years. In the late 1980s Jim accepted a position in the signal division of METRA, the Chicago urban rail commuter system, and worked there until his retirement in 2009.

Jim enjoyed playing guitar and was an accomplished artist. Over the years he enjoyed worked in many mediums including calligraphy, drawing, photography, painting, printmaking and woodworking. His artistic touches and craftsmanship could be found all around his home in Richmond, Illinois.

In retirement Jim was able to pursue his interests in travel and nature. He spent several years exploring historical sights and camping in national parks in the west and in remote areas of upper Michigan and Wisconsin around Lake Superior.

He is survived by his sister, Linda Hill Conway, and his nephew, Charles Conway, who will remember him as a caring and considerate brother and as a wonderful uncle who inspired a passion for learning how machines work.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be from 1-2 p.m. Saturday June 22, 2024, at Ehorn-Adams Funeral Home, 10011 Main St., in Richmond, Illinois. Inurnment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Mason City. Memorials in his name to Alzheimer's disease.