I miss Jim all the time, but that feeling reaches its  peak when a legal question arises; Jim was my go-to source for quick consultation on a legal, ethical or forensic dilemma. When such arises, I still have a reflex of "I better run this by Jim," and then I remember. He also knew more psychiatry than many psychiatrists, which made his consults even more valuable. Such a loss.

So much has happened in the last 3 years. You would have loved this chapter in your life. I miss you so very much🩷Kathleen

About a dozen years ago, I was on vacation with my family  when I got a call from an acutely suicidal patient with a history of two near-lethal suicide attempts.  I'd had good basic training in risk management when I was resident at Mass Mental, but there this situation posed circumstances that I'd never faced before.  I called Jim and got a call back in 15 minutes while I was still on the beach.  I was amazed.  I ran my plan plan by him.   He responded with a mixture of affirmation and suggestions I had not thought of, resulting in optimal care for the patient (and successful treatment of my anxiety).  I remember Jim for his wisdom, kindness, and humanity.
Seth Rafal, M.D.

Not a day goes by when I don’t think about you. My heart still aches. I wish so much for one more day. One more hug. One more phone call. One more laugh. Forever you will be in my heart❤️

I missed Jim very much at the Belmont last summer.  It was definitely NOT  the same without him there in my building, at the cabana, at the restaurant.   A grave loss. 
Marilyn Kaplan

James. Miss you so much.  We will never forget your love and kindness.  - Jay and Elaine Murney

Jim and I used to sit together at Risk Management meetings for the public and for the Mass. Psychiatric Society and comment on the other people's presentations; some of Jim's lectures were so inspiring and generative, that they led to coauthored publications -- one the many things I miss about Jim. My deep sympathies to the family for this profound loss.
Tom Gutheil

Jim helped me in so many ways throughout my career.  I will miss his caring, skill, and goodheartedness.   The memory of the righteous is a blessing.  Bob Goisman 

I was so sadden to hear about Jim. Actually shocked. I owned a diner in Chatham for years and he came in many times. I had seen him this summer at wayside and we got to reminisce a bit. 

He was a kind man and a good friend. He will be missed by many. 

Sandi Eldredge
Sandis Diner

I was saddened to learn of Jim's passing and want his Family to know he will be missed by his long time friends from Mass Bay & Suffolk Law School. I sang in a folk group with Jim, Buddy Gillis and Fran Archon during the 60's making close and lasting friendships. After Law School Jim and I would refer cases cases to one another and kept in touch for over 60 years. Jim was a talented musician, lawyer and friend. I will miss him.

So many wonderful times these four friends shared at The Belmont.

His beloved girls at Jim's 70th birthday party

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jim’s recent passing. I’ve known Jim for my entire psychiatric career, beginning during residency in 1977. His unique combination of legal expertise and knowledge of psychiatry enabled him to provide high quality pragmatic presentations at annual CME programs and individual counsel to me about several complex medical-legal situations. His final “gift” to me was helping me navigate the “ins and outs” of closing my practice to retire.  He was readily available to talk (including on his personal cell phone when away from the office) and was a superb listener. I know my colleagues and I feel a tremendous loss, and extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. 

Margo Goldman MD

Thank you for including these wonderful photos of your beloved father and husband and friend. His loving spirit comes through so wonderfully.  I am sure I share the experience of  knowing Jim officially as "counsel" for perhaps 30 years as he was to so many, but in that role he was also friend. I loved speaking with Jim. He was wise, approachable, clear, empathic and  filled with good humor. I will miss him greatly.

Larry Newman
Friend

To Jim‘s family, friends and loved ones, I’m so sorry for your loss.  Jim was a wonderful man.
We were lifelong friends, beginning on the Winslow School Campus.  Coming from the city,  it was clear that he had an edge and a head start on us.
When our 5th grade teacher, Mr. Lambert,  asked us what exciting happened over Christmas vacation, I began to describe Santa’s landing.  Jim leaned forward and expressed as only Jim could……the Reality!
He had my back, so to speak.  From that moment on, our friendship grew.
I hope you’ve all had the special experience of spending time with Jim, and realizing what a wonderful man he is!  I have wonderful memories which I’ll treasure, and will be forever grateful for Jim’s friendship.

Like many other members of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, I was kept abreast of medical-legal issues over several decades by Jim's clear and friendly presentations.

This past year I called him about a strange call that I received from an alleged DEA agent.  Jim immediately called the "agent",  reported what he determined to be  fraud to the DEA, called and told me that if I heard from him again, not to reply but to just call him.  No more calls.  One worrisome situation quickly resolved by Jim's combination of expertise and prompt attention.

I offer my sincere condolences to Jim's family and friends,
Mark F. Poster, MD

It was truly impossible not to be befriended by Jim Hilliard, whom I called numerous timesss on behalf of patients and whoworte to the Mass Registration committee on my behalf when there was a wrongful complaintfor whih I was ever so grateful, I knew I neede a lawyer and when I called him he immediately took it upon himslf to to help me.As others have said he knw more than most psychiatrists, and having a soon who is a lawuer, I quickly became cognizant of his legal expertise.
My condolences go to his family and all those who lovved him, he is an enormous loss to all of us.
Aleandra (Sasha) Rolde, M.d.

Memory
  
I met Jim in the late 70’s when, as an attorney, he served as assistant superintendent at Mass. Mental while I was faculty. He was very approachable and did a fabulous job there, rising over subsquent decades to become the house counsel of most of the big hospitals in Massachusetts. He also had an extensive legal private practice in his law firm of Connor and Hilliard; I had the pleasure of working for him as an expert on some cases and BOR complaints: he knew more psychiatry than some psychiatrists. He was one of the most popular speakers at the risk managment conferences here in town, updating the Mass. Psychiatric Society on latest new developments in law and regulation, collecting his most frequently asked questions into a review and deftly fielding queries from the audience of doctors.

Because he knew so much psychiatry, I started calling him “Doctor Hilliard” and he in turn referred to me as “Attorney Gutheil.” This led to countless emails I addressed to “Dawktuh” (local accent); he would reply naming me with some grandiose term such as The One, The Only, Cardinal Gutheil, 
etc. This all started when he found out that my med school nickname was “The King” (long story).  I teach that it is important to develop a relationship with an attorney you can bounce stuff off of, reciprocal with clinical questions and referrals coming the other way. We had countless such exchanges over the years; our conversations led to my co-authorships with him on articles and book chapters; he also co-authored resources with other psychiatrists. His humour and general good nature were highly prized by all who knew him; I saw him as a close friend with whom to be comfortably informal, in the most enjoyable connections. He leaves a giant vacancy in my life and the lives of many others who relied on him for all kinds of help. I will miss him terribly. 
My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Thomas G. Gutheil, MD
Harvard Medical School
Colleague and friend
-- 

When I had a legal question about a patient, I first called Jim who gave me excellent advice.  He was a lawyer in every sense of the word.  With sympathy,
Judy Huizenga MD

I met Jim through the MMS Risk Management CME Program, which I have attended almost yearly since the start of my career. I always enjoyed his presentations and his sage advice on risk management. While a resident, I had read a piece he wrote about the dangers of prescribing to relatives--a very scary cautionary tale about a psychiatrist who crossed boundaries and found himself entangled in the legal system. To this day I have taken that piece to heart and recommended it to the residents that I supervise. I had the good fortune of having lunch with Jim a couple of times at the MMS Seminar and found him to be a terrific guy, very affable and unassuming. Like everyone else, I will miss him, but he will live on through his work. My warmest condolences to Jim's family.

Ever since we first met when I was a resident at Mass Mental in the 1970's, Jim was my go-to guy for any and all of my legal questions, to which he was always responsive and helpful. I best remember his keen sense of humor, evidenced by his walking in once to a very tense meeting and being asked "what do you think of the suit"?   Without hesitation he looked down, tugged at the lapels of his ever-stylish threads and replied "I kinda like this one, thank you for asking". Just the right tone to get us refocused.

He was one of a kind and very special. I will miss him. Condolences to all for your loss.

As just another psychiatrist looking to Jim for advice over the years, I can safely say it was impossible to know Jim only professionally. His genuine warmth and love for humanity found its way into every conversation, even as he spoke of medicolegal risk! I'm guilty of assuming he'd be there for my entire life. I shall miss him greatly, and extend my deepest sympathies to all who were yet closer to him.

Dear James,
You are a hero among us!  Many of us owe our knowledge of Massachusetts mental health law to your repeated lectures and presentations that you gave over an entire generation.  On a personal level, Jim, you were always available to discuss our patients' complex mental health issues.   Your familiarity with psychiatric terminology such as transferance and counter transferance made case discussions rich experiences.  Your interpersonal warmth was infectious and unforgettable and as time passes, may we think of you often.
Arthur N Papas, MD

Jim Hilliard was one of the good guys. A short story in support of this position.
     Years ago a mutual acquaintence of ours told me one day he was thumbing a ride from Dedham to Norwood when Jim stopped to pick him up. As he was about to exit the vehicle Jim gave him $20. I remember he was very excited when he was telling me this story."Richard I didn't even ask him for it, he just gave it to me" he said.
     This mutual friend was one of those individuals forced to confront more challenges than most of us in life. 
     Just another random act of kindness by a good and decent person. We suspect there is a multitude of stories similar to this one about Jim Hiliard you will never hear so we thought you should at least hear one of them.
Rest In Peace , Jim Hilliard

Dear Chris and all family members,
The sudden passing of Jim is so difficult to believe.  He has left a major void in the lives of so many friends, of whom there were many, especially his family.  Jim has  been a constant in our thoughts and prayers since hearing this very sad news.  
May the many beautiful memories he has left give comfort to all in this time of grieving.
Joyce and Brenda King ❤

Dear Chris, Kathleen,  Stephen and families and friends. Jim/PaPa gave us all such lasting and wonderful memories. A great and loveable man all around. He will never be forgotten, always live in our hearts and always be in our greatest memories. Love Kristin, Dan, Michael and Ben XXOO

Gone too soon , you will be missed , dear friend 

My father was the light of my life. He was so much to so many but to me he was Dad. He was the best father a daughter could ever want or deserve. I couldn’t have been blessed with anyone more wonderful than the father he was. I think back to the last day I saw him and think, Did I tell you how much I love you? Did I tell you how grateful I am for everything you have done and given to me? The answer is yes I did. I hugged him so tight and told him all of that and that I would see him soon. I will forever keep him in my heart because there he will stay with me forever❤️

7/11/2015 Sheridan and Sydney Nossal enjoying time with Papa at the Belmont

Jim was introduced to me when I started my health law practice years ago, and over the years he provided me with helpful guidance  on countless occasions.  He was always knowledgeable and generous with his time.  I'm very sorry for your loss.

Writing to you, our dear friend, Jim:

From the first time we met at Bryant College when you served as my dorm counselor and even though I was one of your major headaches violating the dorm rules you were enforcing, I grew to respect your leadership skills and even-handed enforcement of the rules.
  
When you ran and won for Student Body President, I was honored to serve as your Parliamentarian.
 
I knew that our relationship would be something special and for the past 60 years our friendship continued. 
 
After Bryant and Suffolk Law when you served in Governor Sargent's cabinet for 8 years as Under Secretary of Health and Human Services, I was fortunate to again work with you. 
 
When you first opened your law practice in Walpole, I watched your firm grow. From being a subject matter expert in law, mental health, psychiatry and business at Harvard Medical School, the Kennedy Family energy company, as well as many other entities, your expertise was sought after and respected both in Massachusetts and the Nation.  
 
You were a great role model to both Stephen and Kathleen. When you talked about your children and grandchildren, I could see your love for them. 

As my three children grew up, they also were fortunate to have you as a resource and all of us have called upon your words of wisdom many times.    
 
Ellen and I are always blown away by your stamina, knowledge, personality, wit, and ability to answer questions about so many different fields. We loved and cherished our wonderful friendship over decades. We were always so happy to visit with you when you were in VA or down the Cape – We loved your cooking. There wasn’t anything you couldn’t do! 
You are certainly the epitome of a renaissance man.
We will miss you always! 
The memories of you put smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts!
Love,
Ellen and Allan


Sending my deepest condolences, my wife Maribeth and I were shocked and saddened by the news of Jimmy’s passing. He was such a gentleman and always so wonderful to my mother Dorothy (Fata) Riley. Since I was a little child she would brag about her cousin Jimmy and how he was a successful attorney making a huge difference in the world.
 He graciously helped her with the various healthcare issues she faced over the years with both my brother Bill and sister Karen or any other family legal issues. My mom passed recently and Jim reached out immediately to let me know he would always be there to help me with my brother Bill or anything else I may need. I’m sure Dolly and the entire family met Jim at the gate with open arms! 
Our deepest condolences to the Hilliard family.
 Ed and Maribeth Coolbrith 

The best day I had practicing law was the day Jim walked in and said "I am ready to go." That was 1978 and for the next 22 years we practiced as partners and more important as friends without a harsh word or serious disagreement. I only left to fulfil a lifetime goal of becoming a judge and even that could not  have happened without Jim's encouragement and support. Jim was a extremely skilled attorney whose expertise  ranged from being the preeminent expert of psychiatric law to the go to attorney for municipal issues. But, his greatest contribution was extending himself to others in times of need, whether they family, friends, colleagues or even strangers who sought medical advice  to whom I would say "I know Jim will be glad to help you."
Jim died much too soon but we should feel comforted in knowing 
   that he appreciated all the blessings in his life including his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends and practice,  Rest in peace, dear friend. Jack

They were so happy being with Papa and vice versa!

Such a happy day celebrating the intense love between these two very special people.  I was so proud to call Jim my stepfather; nobody finer!  My stepmom, Christine's smile, speaks of her tremendous love for Jim, and Jim's grin is equally revealing.  It was a perfect day and a perfect love story.

Being at The Belmont brought Jim so much joy, especially when he could share it with his children ❤️ 

That fabulous grin filled with such heartfelt warmth is one of the millions of things I will miss about Jim, a man like no other.  
Jim married my stepmother Christine two years ago and to witness their devoted love for each other and deep affection was palpable.  
Jim was truly everything to Christine.  Beyond a litany of all of the greatest attributes Jim possessed,  it was the friendship, the humor, the kindness, and the support that will forever be indelibly etched in my mind.  When Jim asked how you were, it wasn't a rhetorical question, he really wanted to know because he genuinely cared.
Perhaps my greatest admiration I have, and will always have, is his cherished love for Christine and his children and grandchildren whom he worshipped with every ounce of his being.  Each and every one of them made him intensely proud.  When one departs from this earth, what matters most is how you loved and lived.  Jim loved intensely and lived life to its fullest.  Jim will always be my guide for the measure of a person: kindness, truthfulness, humility, and compassion.  Oh God, how I miss you Jim Hilliard.  You left us all with empty hearts.   We will never be the same without you, but, we will be better people because of you.  I feel so fortunate to have had you in my life Jim.  I loved you so much and will forever love you.

To Chris and Family,

Words cannot express how fond I was of Jim. Alway smiling and always positive attitude. Most of all he was a kind man with a great heart who would Alway help others. I experienced Jim’s caring when he helped our family with a very difficult situation during my fathers hospitalization. 

My family and the entire Belmont community has lost a great person and leader.  He will be sorely missed. 

Our heartfelt condolences,
The Waingortin family





John DeFlaminis
Classmate and Friend
Jim was a wonderful classmate and friend that Patti and I remet at our annual mini reunions each summer for the last several years. I always remembered that Jimmy was smart, kind, and thoughtful as a classmate then…he was more so now. An old friend once told me that “as you age, you get even more so than you were when you were young.” Jimmy was more so-smarter, kinder, and even more thoughtful. These qualities made him more loved and more memorable. He was a lovely man who never ceased to amaze us with his generosity, kindness, and intelligence. Taken too soon, we will miss him dearly and never forget him. 

Jim Hilliard

I am deeply saddened by the recent death of Jim Hilliard, a friend from the Norwood Class of 1961. Jim was well liked and respected by all his classmates.

We were proud of Jim’s distinguished career as a senior employee in Human Services and Mental Health in State Government in Massachusetts. He has advised many with articles and books with his expertise in mental health law.

He was always available with advice for friends. My deepest sympathy for Jim’s family and friends for the loss of our great friend, Jim Hilliard.


Gone too soon.  I met Jim and Chris in August of 2016 when I was asked to perform at the Belmont piano bar on very short notice.  Jim and Chris, along with 2 other couples  requested music and shared laughter with me and gave me the most memorable of evenings.  My first husband had just passed away the week before, and although reluctant to perform, I knew he would've wanted me to play and carry on.  Jim loved every song I  played.  The following year I was playing at the Belmont and Doug, who became my new husband this year, came  into the lounge and proceeded to engage in lively conversation with Jim.  I had no idea that they were professional colleagues and friends.  Jim's love of music and his warm and friendly personality made him a "celebrity" at the Belmont.  He was adored and respected by many.  Doug and I are devastated by Jim"s passing.  We want to extend our deepest  sympathies to his loving wife Chris 
and his family and many friends. 


In 1979, Jim and his then law Partner, Jack Connor, gave me my first job as a law clerk and then as an attorney. Jim and Jack were both great role models as people and as attorneys. Jim had a great way about him, very caring and always engendered confidence when he gave advice. He was very gracious to my family professionally when we needed to tap his unique area of expertise.  I was always grateful for his friendship. My sincere condolences to Jim's family for their profound loss.
Bob Berluti

I met Jim in 1977  as a first year resident at the Massachusetts mental health center. Jim was the consummate professional, and a truly outstanding human being. He was always kind, supportive, knowledgeable, empathic, and respectful of others. Jim was the embodiment of authenticity. May he rest in peace. 







Met Jim at Bryant College in 1964/5. We worked together as Resident Assistants and developed a life long relationship and shareed many personal travel adventures. Alway helpful I could alway turn to him for wisdom counsel.   Jim was an achiever.  Jim received his J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law in 1969.  He served 8 years in Massachusetts state government as Under-Secretary of Health and Human Services,as well as  Assistant Superintendent  Massachusetts Mental Health Center. Shifting his focus to private practice, Attorney Hilliard, along with now retired Superior Court Judge John P. Connor, Jr.  established the law firm of Connor & Hilliard, P.C. in 1978. jim  co-authored the book The Essentials of Massachusetts Mental Health Law (WW Norton 1998), and has published over 40 articles and book chapters on a variety of subjects in the field of mental health law. In addition to advising clients on mental health law issues, Attorney Hilliard  was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry (Legal Medicine), Harvard Medical School (Part Time).

Jim was a wonderful man and he was taken far too soon from us. He was a very kind and loving man and I truly appreciate the time that I was able to spend with him throughout the years. My favorite memory was just when my sister Samantha and I were with him down in the Cape and he took us around in the Jeep. The doors had been taken off as well as the roof and as a child getting to see the cape with the wind blowing all around was a fond memory that I will never forget. I looked forward to seeing him over the summer break every year and I was always so sad when I had to leave. I miss him already and I hope that everyone can take solace in all of the impacts and changes of the people that he has affected over the years. 


We are so sorry for your loss.   Jim was so wonderful, warm and inviting.  We will cherish those memories of this past summer here at the Belmont when we all danced and enjoyed each other's company.  
We are all so fortunate to have known you.

A loss to us all.  
We will always be thinking of you .... always in our hearts. 
Best,
Eric, Alec, Jessica and Jennifer Brown

Jim, I’m writing to you as if you’re still alive because  in my mind you always wiil be. I met you for the first time in the summer of 1979 when you spoke to that year’s group of rookie psychiatrists, aka first year residents, of which I was one. If your mission was to scare the bleep out of us, you sure did succeed. You said, “If I were you, I’d get out while you still can. I’d walk out that door right now. Why? Because from now on, every word you speak, every sentence you write, every summary you dictate, basically every breath you take could bankrupt you, cost you your license, or end you up in jail.” With those words you introduced us to the euphemistically named field of risk management, aka CYA.
       You always had our backs. Once you realized you  couldnt talk us out of hanging in there, you did all you could to make sure we didnt hang.
        Not only were you way smart, you were also practical, and the truth is out, you had a heart as big as the world. I’m so so lucky to have known you, I was far from ready for you to leave.
           I’m seeing you right now, down on the Cape, living the dream.
           Ned Hallowell

OBITUARY

James T. Hilliard

27 July, 1943 – 27 October, 2022

Doane Beal & Ames

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