He was born on May 27, 1940, in Springfield, IL, the son of Halfred Sr. and Hilda (Maurer) Hildebrand.
Jim graduated from Lanphier High School. He went on to work as a brick layer at Evans and Mason. Jim was a member of Brick Layers Union Local 8. He enjoyed fishing in Minnesota, watching football on the “boobtube”, and buying and selling antiques. Jim was known as a funny, selfless handy man who loved his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; ex-wife, Ruth Hildebrand; partner, Sharon Homer; brother, Halfred Hildebrand, Jr.; sister, Jacqueline Mason; sons, Daniel James and Timothy Wayne Hildebrand; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Hildebrand.
James is survived by his daughters, Tammy Fenton and Kimberly Hildebrand; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, prior to services.
Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL, followed by the Ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
Burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
